Michael Carrick has issued the latest on Matthijs de Ligt as Manchester United prepare to welcome Man City to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
Manchester United continue their search for a first win of 2026 as they welcome local rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
It has been an underwhelming start to the year for United, who have drawn 1-1 with 16th-placed Leeds United and 2-2 with 19th-placed Burnley, before exiting the FA Cup at home to Brighton.
That spell also brought upheaval behind the scenes, with former Head Coach Rúben Amorim dismissed midway through the run.
In response, United have appointed Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the season, with the Manchester derby set to be his first assignment.
Carrick briefly took charge of the club in November 2021, during which he guided United to wins over Arsenal and Villarreal, as well as a 1-1 draw with then league leaders Chelsea.
Carrick issues De Ligt injury update
Carrick took his first press conference back in charge at the club on Friday afternoon, speaking to reporters about a range of topics.
In the last few weeks, United have seen Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Harry Maguire return to action, while Bryan Mbeumo and Amad have landed back in Manchester after being knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations last week.
At the same time, Noussair Mazraoui will not return until next week, after Morocco’s AFCON final against Senegal on Sunday evening. Unless he suffers an injury, he is expected to be available to face Arsenal.
Matthijs de Ligt has not played for United since the end of November, but speaking to club media on Friday afternoon, Carrick issued hopeful news. “We’ve had a good week, really,” said Carrick. “Matthijs de Ligt has been carrying a bit of an issue, but hopefully, we’ll get him back in some time soon.
“It’s been a little bit slower than what they thought previously. All in all, the boys are in good shape. I just feel the energy, whether it’s fresh or not!
“Obviously, I’m delighted to be here. I want to work a certain way, I want to enjoy what we do and work hard to get success. The boys have put the work in this week, and we feel we’re ready.”
Carrick’s front-line selection will be key
Carrick has several decisions to make when selecting his starting XI against City, with key areas such as centre-backs, left-back, and midfield all requiring close attention.
However, the Englishman’s biggest question is who starts out wide, with arguments for Amad, Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha.
In attack, it’s safe to assume that Bruno Fernandes will play as the attacking midfielder and Benjamin Šeško as the striker, meaning the left and right-wing spots are up for grabs.
Amad and Mbeumo are United’s two best natural wingers, but both have an affinity for the right flank, while Cunha’s mixed form has led some to feel he should be benched. It may be best for Mbeumo to play on the left, Amad on the right, and Cunha as an impact substitute in the second half.
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