Old Trafford feels different this morning. You can literally smell the nervous energy wafting off the Stretford End. It is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and the Manchester Derby isn't just another game on the calendar. It is the beginning of the Michael Carrick era—well, the interim one, anyway.
Ruben Amorim is gone. The tactical experiments that defined the start of the 2025/26 campaign have been shelved. Carrick, stepping in after Darren Fletcher’s brief two-game stint, has the unenviable task of stopping a Manchester City side that is breathing down Arsenal's neck at the top of the table.
If you were looking for the line up for manchester united today, the wait is over. The sheets are in, and Carrick has gone back to basics.
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The Official Manchester United XI vs. Manchester City
Honestly, the big surprise isn't who's playing, but how they’re shaped. Carrick has ditched the back-three system we saw under Amorim. We are looking at a classic, resolute 4-2-3-1.
Starting XI: Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes (C), Bryan Mbeumo; Bryan Mbeumo.
Wait, let's look closer at that front line. With Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha dropping to the bench, Carrick has opted for mobility over raw height. Bryan Mbeumo, who just rushed back from AFCON duty after Cameroon's exit, is leading the line as a mobile number nine.
The Defensive Shake-up
Senne Lammens keeps his spot in goal. He’s been a bright spark in a weirdly dark season for United. But the real talking point? Luke Shaw is back. After missing the FA Cup disappointment against Brighton, Shaw returns to the left-back slot, pushing the youngster Patrick Dorgu to the bench.
Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez start in the heart of defense. They’ve got the impossible job of tracking Erling Haaland, who already has 20 league goals this term. If Yoro can use that recovery pace effectively, United might actually stand a chance of keeping a clean sheet.
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Key Absences and Injury Room Updates
You can’t talk about the line up for manchester united today without mentioning who isn't there.
- Matthijs de Ligt: The big Dutchman is still out. Carrick confirmed in his pre-match chat with MUTV that De Ligt’s back issue is healing slower than the medical staff hoped. He’s "on the grass," but nowhere near match-fit.
- Noussair Mazraoui: He's currently in Morocco. Not for a holiday, obviously. He's preparing for the AFCON final against Senegal tomorrow. United fans will be watching that one with a mix of pride and "please don't get injured."
- Shea Lacey: The wonderkid is suspended. That red card against Brighton was a harsh lesson for the teenager, but he'll have to sit this derby out.
- Harry Maguire: He’s on the bench. He made a cameo against Brighton, but Carrick clearly feels he isn't ready for 90 minutes of chasing Foden and Doku.
Why Mbeumo as a Number Nine?
It’s a gamble. Basically, Carrick is betting on chaos.
By starting Bryan Mbeumo up top instead of a traditional striker like Sesko, United are looking to play on the counter. City’s defense is depleted—no Gvardiol, no Dias, no Stones. Pep is starting Max Alleyne and Khusanov. These are talented kids, but they aren't the established titans City usually relies on.
Mbeumo’s ability to drift wide and swap positions with Amad Diallo will be a nightmare for City's makeshift back four. It's a "false nine" approach that feels very much like the tactics Carrick lived through during the late Ferguson years.
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Tactical Insight: The Midfield Pivot
The return of the Casemiro-Mainoo partnership is what most fans wanted. Manuel Ugarte has been energetic but perhaps a bit too "all-action" for a game that requires discipline.
Casemiro provides the shield. Mainoo provides the escape valve. Against a City midfield featuring a returning Rodri and the ever-dangerous Bernardo Silva, United cannot afford to lose the ball in the middle third.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans Today
If you're heading to the game or watching from the sofa, here is what to keep an eye on:
- The First 15 Minutes: Carrick’s United will likely sit deep. Watch if they try to trigger a high press or if they’re content to let City have the ball.
- Bruno's Positioning: In the 4-2-3-1, Bruno Fernandes has more freedom. Look for him to exploit the space behind Rodri, especially if Bernardo Silva wanders too far forward.
- The Bench Impact: Look at that bench. Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, and Benjamin Sesko. If United are level at 60 minutes, Carrick has some serious firepower to change the game.
The match kicks off at 12:30 GMT. It’s a baptism of fire for Michael Carrick, but the line up for manchester united today suggests a manager who knows exactly what a derby requires: grit, balance, and a little bit of tactical mischief.
Ensure your streaming apps are updated or your tickets are ready; this isn't a game you'll want to miss. For those following from home, keep an eye on the official club channels for any last-minute warm-up injuries that could shift the tactical balance before the first whistle.