Manchester United faces a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City, and the team news is generating a lot of buzz. Can they close the gap on the top four? The answer might surprise you.
The Red Devils are almost at full strength, a welcome change for fans. The only confirmed absentee is defender Matthijs de Ligt, still sidelined with injury. However, there's good news on the horizon! Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo have both returned to team training after their respective exits from the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon and the Ivory Coast. Their return adds much-needed depth and competition to the squad.
Currently, United sits seventh in the Premier League table with 17 games remaining. They're three points behind Liverpool, who currently occupy the coveted fourth spot. Every match is a must-win from here on out if they want to secure Champions League qualification.
Recent tactical shifts have been interesting to observe. In the last two matches, interim manager Fletcher reverted to a back four, moving away from the 3-4-2-1 formation favored by his predecessor, Amorim. This suggests a potential change in philosophy, prioritizing defensive solidity.
It's widely anticipated that Carrick, the new interim manager, will adopt a similar approach, deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation. This formation is familiar to him, as he used it during his caretaker spell after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure in November 2021. It allows for a balance between defensive stability and attacking flair.
Predicting Carrick's team selection seems relatively straightforward, which might be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. Senne Lammens is expected to start in goal. Altay Bayindir didn't feature under Fletcher against Brighton, suggesting Lammens has the edge for now.
The back four is likely to resemble the one that played against Brighton. Luke Shaw missed the last matchday squad for an undisclosed reason, but he could potentially return at left-back, replacing Patrick Dorgu, who filled in after starting on the left wing against Burnley. Shaw's return would provide experience and stability to the defense.
Leny Yoro partnered Lisandro Martinez in central defense against Brighton, but Martinez was later replaced by Harry Maguire as United chased a late equalizer. And this is the part most people miss: Maguire could very well start this game alongside Martinez. The reasoning? To add more physicality to the defense, particularly against a tough opponent like Man City. This would be in place of the injured de Ligt and the younger Yoro.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo received only his second start of the campaign in the FA Cup match. It remains to be seen whether Carrick will trust him enough to partner Casemiro in the double pivot. Mainoo's energy and dynamism could be crucial, but Casemiro's experience is undeniable. This is where it gets controversial... Who should start in midfield?
Bruno Fernandes will undoubtedly captain the side from the No. 10 position. Matheus Cunha played off the right wing against Brighton, with Mason Mount on the left. Now, that setup is likely to change. Mbeumo is expected to return to the right flank, adding a different dimension to the attack. Amad Diallo also provides another option off the bench, offering pace and trickery.
Benjamin Sesko is the frontrunner to start as the lone striker, with Joshua Zirkzee as the only other recognized alternative. Sesko's goal-scoring record speaks for itself, but Zirkzee's potential shouldn't be underestimated.
Here's the predicted Man Utd XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Injured: de Ligt
The match is scheduled for 12.30pm GMT on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Old Trafford.
You can watch the game live on Sky Sports Main Event.
What do you think of this predicted lineup? Do you agree with the potential changes in defense and midfield? Who would you start in midfield: Mainoo or someone else? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
