Man United Starting XI vs Man City: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Man United Begin Another Reset Ahead of City Test

Another weekend, another recalibration at Old Trafford. Man United welcome Manchester City with a familiar sense of transition hanging in the air, as Michael Carrick begins a second spell as interim manager. It feels both significant and strangely routine, a club forever pausing, resetting, then hoping momentum might finally follow.

Carrick inherits a side still within touching distance of the Champions League places. Seventh in the Premier League with 17 games remaining, Man United are only three points behind Liverpool in fourth. The margins remain fine, even if the mood around the club suggests otherwise.

Carrick Returns to Familiar Ground

Carrick replaces Darren Fletcher, whose brief stewardship delivered a 2-2 draw at Burnley and an FA Cup exit at home to Brighton. Those matches saw a return to a back four, shelving Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 before it had time to embed itself. That pragmatic shift is expected to continue.

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The expectation is a 4-2-3-1, a system Carrick leaned on during his caretaker spell in 2021 and his time at Middlesbrough. It offers clarity and, perhaps more importantly, comfort. In a season shaped by upheaval, Man United appear keen to reduce complexity, at least for now.

Team Selection and Defensive Balance

Senne Lammens is set to continue in goal, with Altay Bayindir again likely watching on. At the back, Luke Shaw’s possible return at left back would be a quiet boost, especially with Matthijs de Ligt ruled out through injury.

Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez started against Brighton, though Harry Maguire’s late introduction hinted at a different approach. Against City’s physical and aerial threat, Maguire could partner Martinez, offering experience and resilience. It would be a selection rooted in caution rather than flair.

Midfield Control and Attacking Shape

Carrick’s biggest call may come in midfield. Kobbie Mainoo started in the FA Cup, only his second start this season, and could again be trusted alongside Casemiro in the double pivot. It is a pairing that promises balance, youth alongside authority.

Further forward, Bruno Fernandes captains from the number 10 role. Bryan Mbeumo’s return from Africa Cup of Nations duty sharpens the attack, likely restoring him to the right flank. Matheus Cunha may shift left, while Amad Diallo provides an option from the bench.

Benjamin Sesko is expected to lead the line, with Joshua Zirkzee the alternative. It is a functional front three, built more on structure than surprise.

For Man United, this derby is less about bold statements and more about coherence. In a season defined by disruption, stability alone might feel like progress.