Manchester United: Michael Carrick facing selection dilemma as double boost confirmed before Man City showdown | OneFootball

Carrick is poised to break up effective partnership for Manchester derby

Michael Carrick has been handed somewhat of a double Manchester United selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s Premier League Manchester derby.

Carrick’s return to Man Utd was officially confirmed on Tuesday. The former midfielder has been appointed as head coach until the end of the season, taking over from Darren Fletcher after a two-game spell in charge of the first team.

Carrick took charge of training at Carrington for the first time on Wednesday and present for the session were Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo following their exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations.

In a boost for Man United, the aforementioned nations failing to reach the final week at AFCON has facilitated their returns and join preparations for this weekend’s clash against Manchester City.

Amad and Mbeumo have missed Man United’s last six games across all competitions as a result of their international commitments, with the side winning just once in their absence.

It is expected that both players will return to the matchday squad for the derby, though a change of system poses a selection dilemma for Carrick.

Double boost: Amad and Bryan Mbeumo

Manchester United via Getty Imag

Under Ruben Amorim, Amad - as a right-wing back - and Mbeumo - as a right-sided attacking midfielder - had developed a promising understanding on the right-hand side, contributing nine goals between them in so far this season.

However, with Carrick set to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, it remains to be seen how Amad and Mbeumo can start together especially when factoring in other attacking options such as Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

The Red Devils are looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 2-1 at home to Brighton in the FA Cup third round and win for the first time in 2026.