Here’s the Man Utd vs Man City preview as Michael Carrick takes charge of his first Manchester derby as the permanent manager.
There are fond memories of this fixture for Michael Carrick, as he kicked off his interim reign with a flying 2-0 victory against Man City.
Since then, a lot has changed, but what shouldn’t change is this team’s passion and desire to repeat that result at Old Trafford.
Here’s the preview for the massive game as Man Utd still look to kick their campaign into gear.
Luke Shaw’s status, Marcus Rashford’s return, and more
Michael Carrick remained as tight-lipped as ever in his press conference about team news.
Luke Shaw missed the Sabah game with a slight issue, and his presence for the derby remains in doubt.
What shouldn’t be in any doubt is Marcus Rashford’s status, who came off against Everton with a cramp but was afforded complete rest against Sabah.
Youri Tielemans is also a certainty to start after coming off at half-time for the derby, while Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo are the first names on the teamsheet.
Left-back is the main position of contention. Will Carrick trust Patrick Dorgu with that role against a tricky City side, where his role will have to be much more diligent than it was against Sabah?
Harry Maguire was rested against Sabah so he’s a certainty to start here, despite Leny Yoro’s fine performance, and Lisandro Martinez will partner him.
Diogo Dalot will join him in the first XI after being rested midweek, making the broad outline of the team clear enough.
Man Utd players to watch vs Man City
Kobbie Mainoo is the name that comes to mind first, because he started his “2.0” journey in this very game last season.
He has gone from strength to strength since then, arguably becoming one of the best in the league, if not the world, with his performances this year.
Bruno Fernandes also enjoyed his role on the transitions in this fixture last year, and Carrick will simplify his role for him again.
Maguire’s rest for the midweek game shows he’ll again be used to dominate the box, so his battle against Erling Haaland will be one to watch.
Whoever starts at left-back will also be key, and if it’s Patrick Dorgu, it will be a judgement game for his prospects for that role.
Mbeumo ran City ragged last time out with his running in behind and finishing, and the gameplan will be to repeat that.
Man Utd vs Man City prediction
Making a fast start will be key, as the home stadium will become an absolute cauldron of noise if they sense the players are up for it.
Carrick’s United have a weird habit of matching the occasion and the opposition, for better or worse, so expect them to turn up here.
It’s the first time in nearly ten years that United aren’t facing a Pep Guardiola side in this fixture, so there are a lot of unknowns.
Having said that, they have broadly a good record against Enzo Maresca’s possession-domination system.
Expect United to bring their mid-block back and hit City on the counter, which is Carrick’s forte. Forget the past results this season. This is a game made for Carrick’s United.
Man Utd vs Man City prediction – 3-1 (W).
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