Everything changed at Carrington this week. Ruben Amorim is gone. The 3-4-2-1 experiment that felt like it was going to revolutionize Old Trafford ended not with a bang, but with a series of public disagreements and a 33% win rate. Now, Michael Carrick is back in the hot seat as interim boss, and he’s inherited a squad that looks vastly different than it did even ten days ago.
If you’re looking for the latest man united squad news, the headline isn’t just about who’s fit—it’s about how they’re going to play.
The three-at-the-back system has been scrapped. Expect a return to a more traditional 4-2-3-1, the shape Carrick favored at Middlesbrough and during his brief caretaker stint years ago. This shift is basically a lifeline for players like Kobbie Mainoo, who struggled to find a natural home in Amorim’s rigid structure but is now poised to become the heartbeat of the midfield again.
The Injury Room: Who’s Actually Out?
Honestly, the medical room is emptier than it’s been in months. That’s the silver lining for Carrick. While previous managers were constantly duct-taping a defense together, the current list of absentees is surprisingly short.
Matthijs de Ligt is the big one. He’s been sidelined with a persistent back injury since that win over Crystal Palace back in November. Carrick admitted on Friday that the Dutchman's recovery has been "a little bit slower" than the medical staff first hoped. Don't expect to see him back until February at the earliest.
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Then there’s the AFCON situation. Noussair Mazraoui is still away with Morocco as they’ve surged into the final, so he’s definitely out for the Manchester derby this weekend. On the flip side, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are back. Their countries—Cameroon and Ivory Coast—got knocked out earlier than expected, and both wingers were back training at Carrington by Wednesday. Having Mbeumo available is massive; he’s United’s top scorer this season with seven goals, and his directness is exactly what this "new" system needs.
- Matthijs de Ligt: Out (Back injury, return expected February)
- Noussair Mazraoui: Out (International duty - AFCON Final)
- Shea Lacey: Suspended (One match following a red card against Brighton)
- Harry Maguire: Fit (Returned to the bench against Brighton, pushing for a start)
- Mason Mount: Fit (Managed minutes after muscle injury)
Solving the Midfield Mystery
There is some weird stuff happening behind the scenes regarding transfers. Despite reports that INEOS wasn't going to spend a penny in January, journalist Ben Jacobs dropped a bit of a bombshell recently. United have apparently held talks with a "mystery midfielder" over the last 24 hours.
The details are thin, but we know a few things. The player has Premier League experience but is currently playing outside of England. Names like Marcos Llorente or even a short-term return for someone like Scott McTominay (though that's pure fan theory) have been whispered.
Wait. Why a loan?
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Because the club is saving their "real" money for the summer. They’ve got their eyes on Carlos Baleba at Brighton and Adam Wharton at Palace. For now, Carrick just needs someone to sit next to Casemiro so Kobbie Mainoo doesn't have to do all the running. Casemiro has been a warrior, but he’s not getting any younger, and the transition to a high-energy 4-2-3-1 requires legs that can cover the blades of grass Old Trafford demands.
Predicted Lineup for the Derby
This is where it gets interesting. With the tactical shift, some players are going to find themselves back in the cold while others flourish. Senne Lammens seems to have won the battle for the #1 shirt for now, despite a few "hairy moments" with his feet in the FA Cup loss to Brighton.
In defense, Harry Maguire is pushing hard to start alongside Lisandro Martinez. Leny Yoro is the future, sure, but in a Manchester derby, Carrick might prefer Maguire’s physicality and "old head" mentality. On the left, Luke Shaw is finally fit enough to likely reclaim his spot from Patrick Dorgu, though Dorgu’s energy makes him a tempting option further forward.
The Expected XI (4-2-3-1):
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
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Matheus Cunha might have to do a job on the left to accommodate Mbeumo’s return on the right. It’s not his favorite spot, but he has the license to drift inside. Up top, Benjamin Sesko is finally finding some rhythm. He’s scored a few lately and his hold-up play is lightyears ahead of where it was in August.
What the Fans Get Wrong About the "Carrick Way"
People think Carrick is just "Ole Lite." That’s a mistake. While he learned under Solskjaer, his time at Middlesbrough showed a much more sophisticated approach to building out from the back. He wants the ball.
The man united squad news reflects a team that is being rebuilt to keep possession rather than just hit teams on the break. This is why Bruno Fernandes is so vital in the coming weeks. Under Amorim, Bruno sometimes looked like he was vibrating with frustration because he couldn't find the space he wanted. In a 4-2-3-1 with a proper #10 role, he becomes the focal point again.
There’s also the youth factor. With Shea Lacey suspended, keep an eye on how Carrick uses the likes of Toby Collyer or even Harry Amass. He knows the academy inside out. He isn't afraid to throw a kid in if the seniors aren't pulling their weight.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Wing Rotation: With Mbeumo back, see if Carrick plays him as a traditional winger or a modern "inside forward." This will tell you everything about the tactical direction for 2026.
- Monitor the Loan Market: If the "mystery midfielder" arrives before the Arsenal game, it signals that INEOS is actually worried about missing out on European football entirely.
- Check the Team Sheet 60 Mins Before Kickoff: If Maguire starts over Yoro, it’s a clear sign Carrick is prioritizing immediate stability over long-term development for the remainder of his interim stint.
The mood at the club is "reset." The tactical rigidity of the last year is gone, replaced by a coach who just wants the players to play with a bit of freedom. It might be a disaster, or it might be exactly what this talented, disjointed squad needs to save their season.