It is a weird time to be a Manchester United fan. Honestly, if you’d told me two weeks ago that we’d be heading into a Manchester derby with Michael Carrick back in the dugout after Ruben Amorim’s sudden exit, I’d have asked what you were drinking. But here we are. It’s January 2026, the transfer window is wide open, and the Manchester United team news is looking like a jigsaw puzzle with half the pieces missing and the other half just arriving back from another continent.
Carrington has been a hive of activity this week. Carrick took his first training session on Wednesday, and the vibe is... different. Under Amorim, it was all about that specific back-three system. Now? Everyone is wondering if Carrick will revert to the 4-2-3-1 that he used during his brief unbeaten stint back in 2021.
The AFCON Reinforcements are Actually Here
The biggest boost for the derby isn't a new signing. It's the fact that Cameroon and Ivory Coast got knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad are back. They’ve been spotted at the training ground, and frankly, we need them. Mbeumo has been a revelation since joining, becoming a quick fan favorite for his work rate alone.
Amad’s return is equally huge. With the squad stretched thin, having his creativity on the right wing changes the dynamic of the entire front line.
There is a slight catch, though. Noussair Mazraoui is still away with Morocco. He’s been a staple at full-back, and his absence leaves a gaping hole that Diogo Dalot is going to have to cover, likely shifting over from the left. This means we might see more of the youngster Ayden Heaven, who has been surprisingly solid when called upon.
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The Injury Room: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
The medical room is still way too crowded. Let's talk about Matthijs de Ligt. He’s been struggling with a lower back issue since late December. The word from the club is that he’s still ruled out for the City game. It’s a massive blow because you need that physical presence against a City side that just put ten goals past Exeter (yes, ten).
Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are the other big names everyone is asking about.
Mainoo hasn't started a Premier League game all season due to various knocks, most recently a calf problem. He’s back in training, but Carrick has to be careful. You don't want to rush a generational talent like Kobbie back only for him to ping a hamstring in the first twenty minutes. He might make the bench, but don't expect him to start. Maguire is in a similar boat, recovering from a hamstring strain. He’s targeting a return in late January, so the derby comes just a bit too soon for him.
Mason Mount and Bruno: The Captain's Status
Bruno Fernandes has been through the wars lately. Not only has he been dealing with "physical discomfort"—the club’s favorite vague term for "he’s exhausted"—but he also had to deal with his social media being hacked after that depressing FA Cup exit to Brighton.
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He’s expected to lead the team out on Saturday.
Mason Mount is the real wildcard. He’s had a muscle injury that’s kept him out of the last few matchday squads. However, he’s been training with the first team under Carrick. If Carrick goes back to a midfield three, Mount’s energy could be the "secret sauce" to disrupt Rodri and City’s buildup play.
The "Bomb Squad" and the Transfer Window
While the focus is on the derby, we can't ignore the January window. Sekou Kone is currently in Switzerland training with Lausanne Sport. It looks like a loan deal is almost done.
Then there’s Ethan Wheatley. He was recalled from his loan at Northampton Town after scoring for fun in League One. The plan was to loan him back out, but with the managerial change, Carrick might want to keep him around as a bench option.
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Matheus Cunha is the one under pressure. He’s struggled to find the net lately, and with Mbeumo back, his spot in the starting XI is far from guaranteed. Carrick has some "crunch talks" scheduled with a few players who felt sidelined under the previous regime. This is basically a fresh start for everyone.
What to Expect on Saturday
Basically, the squad is a mix of returning stars and "touch-and-go" fitness tests.
We know for sure:
- Matthijs de Ligt is out.
- Noussair Mazraoui is out (AFCON).
- Bryan Mbeumo and Amad are available.
- Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes are likely to start.
The big tactical question is the formation. If Carrick sticks to a back four, Victor Lindelof will likely partner Lisandro Martinez in the center. It’s a partnership that has seen better days, and they’ll need a massive performance to keep City quiet.
Actionable Steps for the Matchday
If you're tracking the Manchester United team news for your FPL team or just for the stress of the derby, keep an eye on the Friday afternoon press conference. That’s when we’ll get the final word on Mainoo’s fitness.
- Watch the warm-ups: Check if Mason Mount is moving freely; he’s the key to the press.
- Check the bench: If Ethan Wheatley is there, it means Carrick isn't happy with the current striking depth.
- Monitor the AFCON results: Morocco’s progress will dictate when Mazraoui finally returns to Carrington.
The derby at Old Trafford is always a different beast. With Carrick's history of stabilizing the ship during chaos, there’s a weird sense of optimism. It might be misplaced, but that’s being a United fan for you.