Manchester United’s interim boss Michael Carrick faces a fiery baptism of fire on Saturday lunchtime as Old Trafford hosts the 198th Manchester derby. The Red Devils lock horns with bitter rivals Manchester City in what promises to be one of the season’s most high-stakes fixtures.
Fans on both sides will be hoping for more excitement than last season’s dull 0-0 stalemate at Old Trafford in April, which did little to satisfy the rivalry’s expectations.
Carrick takes charge just eight days after Ruben Amorim was sacked, returning to the Old Trafford hotseat for the second time in his managerial career. His first brief stint came in November/December 2021, when he guided the team through three games with two wins and a draw. Now 44, he faces a vastly different challenge — a Manchester United side currently seventh in the Premier League, three points shy of the top four despite a poor run of just one win in six league games.
Recent results have been underwhelming: draws against Wolves, Leeds, and Burnley were followed by a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton in Darren Fletcher’s final game as interim boss. That elimination means United will play only 40 matches this season, marking their shortest campaign since 1914-15.
Carrick’s first big tests are back-to-back clashes against Manchester City and leaders Arsenal. United struggled against City in the reverse fixture, losing 3-0 at the Etihad in September. They have also failed to score in four of their last five Premier League home encounters with City, a worrying trend reminiscent of a rare goal drought from 1911–1914.
City, meanwhile, enter the derby in fine form. After a frustrating start to 2026 with three consecutive Premier League draws, Pep Guardiola’s side roared past Exeter City 10-1 in the FA Cup and followed it with a 2-0 EFL Cup semi-final first-leg win over Newcastle. January signing Antoine Semenyo has adapted seamlessly, scoring twice and earning two man-of-the-match awards in his first two appearances.
The Citizens are unbeaten in their last 13 games across all competitions, including nine Premier League matches (W6 D3), though they remain six points behind Arsenal with 17 fixtures left.
Guardiola, the Premier League’s longest-serving manager at nine years and 199 days, prepares for his 31st Manchester derby as City boss. Only Liverpool and Tottenham have inflicted more defeats on him than United, but City have historically thrived at Old Trafford, scoring 37 goals there — second only to Liverpool — and claiming more away Premier League wins against United than any other side (nine).
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Manchester United are still without Noussair Mazraoui (AFCON) and Matthijs de Ligt (back), while teenage forward Shea Lacey serves a suspension after his red card in the FA Cup loss to Brighton. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are available following their AFCON exits, with Mbeumo likely to start on the right flank.Carrick faces choices at left-back between Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu, while Kobbie Mainoo could earn his first Premier League start of the season in midfield alongside Casemiro and Mason Mount. Captain Bruno Fernandes remains pivotal, leading the league in chances created (56) and line-breaking passes (17), and already involved in 10 Premier League goals since November.
Manchester City are missing Josko Gvardiol (tibial), Mateo Kovacic (ankle/heel), John Stones (thigh), Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb (hamstring), and Savinho. Omar Marmoush is still at AFCON with Egypt. Semenyo, who has scored three goals in his last four appearances against United, is expected to feature. Playmaker Rayan Cherki may also start, with Phil Foden and Haaland leading the line as usual — Haaland has been directly involved in 11 Premier League goals against United (eight goals, three assists).
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United:Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Manchester City:
Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, O’Reilly; Rodri; Bernardo, Cherki, Foden, Semenyo; Haaland
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
