Manchester United face a high-stakes test on Saturday, January 17, 2026, as Michael Carrick takes charge for his first game as interim boss, welcoming Premier League leaders Manchester City to Old Trafford for the 198th Manchester derby.
United currently sit 7th in the table with 32 points, while City are 2nd with 43 points, in pursuit of leaders Arsenal.
Despite recent struggles, United will be hoping for a timely boost under Carrick in front of a fired-up home crowd.
Team news
United will be without Noussair Mazraoui (AFCON), Matthijs de Ligt (back injury), and suspended teenage forward Shea Lacey. However, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo return from international duty and are expected to feature in the attack.
Carrick faces selection dilemmas in defence, particularly at left-back, while young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could make his Premier League debut.
Bruno Fernandes leads United in creative stats, topping the league for chances created and line-breaking passes this season, and will be key to unlocking City’s defence.
City remain without Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Savinho, and Oscar Bobb due to injuries, while Omar Marmoush is away on AFCON duty.
Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki are likely to start. At the same time, Erling Haaland leads the line and has been involved in more Premier League goals against United than any other City player.
Head-to-head
City have historically had the upper hand at Old Trafford, with nine Premier League away wins more than any other visiting team.
Only Liverpool (41) have scored more goals at United’s home than City (37). United lost the reverse fixture 3-0 and have failed to score in four of the last five home league encounters against City.
Despite this, the Red Devils are determined to rewrite recent history with a strong home performance under Carrick.
Possible lineups
Manchester United (possible XI): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Manchester City (possible XI): Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, O’Reilly; Rodri; Bernardo, Cherki, Foden, Semenyo; Haaland
Prediction
With a charged Old Trafford crowd behind them, Manchester United are expected to produce a strong showing in Carrick’s first match. City remains formidable, but United’s attacking duo of Fernandes and Mbeumo could make the difference.
We predict a dramatic home victory: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City, giving Carrick a perfect start and the Red Devils bragging rights in the derby.
