Michael Carrick gets huge boost in first Man Utd training session ahead of derby | Football | Sport

Manchester United‘s squad issues are gradually being ironed out, just in time for Michael Carrick’s debut as interim manager in this weekend’s Manchester derby. The Red Devils have struggled to assert dominance over their local rivals, Manchester City, in recent times with only one victory in their last five home matches. This latest chapter of the historic rivalry unfolds amidst a backdrop of significant changes in United’s coaching staff.

It will begin with a fiery encounter against Manchester City this weekend. Hence, the return of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo to Carrington has been a welcome sight.

Both players have been missing in action since mid-December, having been selected to play for their respective nations in the Africa Cup of Nations this year.

Amad represented the current champions, Ivory Coast, while Mbeumo donned the Cameroon jersey. Regrettably, both players were ousted in the quarter-finals last weekend.

Ivory Coast fell to Egypt, while Cameroon were beaten by tournament hosts Morocco, who count United defender Noussair Mazraoui among their ranks.

Despite the personal setback, it allows them to shift their focus back to the 2025/26 club campaign, returning to a markedly different United than the one they left a month ago.

With Michael Carrick now leading the charge, both players could be vying for a spot in the starting line-up against City.

Carrick reportedly plans to deviate from Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation, favouring a four-man defence instead. During his time at Middlesbrough, he typically deployed his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The previous setup allowed both players to start, with Mbeumo spearheading the attack and Amad providing support but also shouldering more defensive responsibilities. Prior to their AFCON departure, Mbeumo had scored seven goals and provided one assist in 17 appearances for United, while Amad contributed two goals and two assists.

However, it was Amad who stole the show at AFCON. In his attacking role, the 23-year-old scored three goals and provided one assist in five matches, outshining Mbeumo’s single assist in the same number of games.

Carrick, therefore, faces a pivotal decision regarding who will take up the right wing position when United square off against City this weekend.