Michael Carrick has decided to take Benjamin Šeško and Matheus Cunha out of the Manchester United side to face Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
Manchester United head into Saturday afternoon’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford still searching for their first victory of 2026, with local rivals Manchester City providing a daunting test.
The new year has begun in frustrating fashion for United. They have been held to a 1-1 draw by 16th-placed Leeds United and a 2-2 stalemate with 19th-placed Burnley, before suffering an FA Cup exit at home to Brighton. Those results came amid significant upheaval at the club, culminating in the dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim.
In the build-up to the derby, United have turned to a familiar face, appointing Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the season, with City representing his first assignment in charge.
Carrick previously took on an interim role in November 2021, during which he guided United to victories over Arsenal and Villarreal, as well as a 1-1 draw away to then league leaders Chelsea.
Carrick reveals why Šeško and Cunha are benched vs City
Carrick has decided to start Amad and Bryan Mbeumo against City after they returned from AFCON and that has led to Benjamin Šeško and Matheus Cunha moving to the bench.
The United boss was asked about that decision and explained how he thinks that the attacking duo will be able to make an impact off the bench.
“We have a good squad,” he told Sky Sports. “There will always be players disappointed not to start, but finishing the match can be even more important. They have huge talent, it’s nothing personal.
“We’ve got a really strong group of players on the bench that come and finish the game for us as well and hopefully make a big difference second half.”
Patrick Dorgu has been included on the wing and he will likely help United deal with City’s attacking threat more on that left side.
Carrick explains Maguire start
Carrick also decided to make a key change at the back, with Harry Maguire coming into the backline alongside Lisandro Martínez.
Despite impressing in recent months, Ayden Heaven has been left out of the side and Carrick has explained how he wants some extra experience in defence for this game.
“Yeah, I think experience is important in certain moments and feeling it and knowing it. It’s not every solution but it certainly helps in certain moments and today is one of them.”
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