January 17, 2026

The Carrick Era Begins: Tactical Shift Expected For Manchester Derby

As Michael Carrick steps into the dugout for Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Manchester City, he will undoubtedly feel the immense pressure of the occasion.

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Despite the current standings or recent performances, a victory is considered a baseline requirement for United in the Manchester derby.



The stakes are heightened by the fact that this marks Carrick’s debut in his new role as interim head coach.

To navigate such a high-intensity fixture, he is likely to prioritize defensive stability by relying on veteran players, potentially pairing Harry Maguire with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the defense.

Casemiro is expected to anchor the midfield. While Kobbie Mainoo typically operates in a deeper role, Michael Carrick’s preference for Mainoo’s attacking qualities—combined with the youngster’s limited game time—suggests Manuel Ugarte will likely start alongside the Brazilian.

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This setup allows Bruno Fernandes to remain in his advanced playmaker position. Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo provides a significant boost following his return from AFCON; despite a tough tournament, he may be preferred over Amad on the right wing.

Matheus Cunha has been effective attacking from the left wing, and his goal will be to set up Benjamin Sesko frequently.

Given the Slovenian striker’s recent scoring streak, Michael Carrick is set to start him against Manchester City to keep that momentum going.

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