The ultimate challenge for Michael Carrick

The 198th Manchester derby between Man United and Man City, scheduled for 7:30 PM on January 17th, is attracting more attention than usual from English football fans.

Carrick and the "replacement effect"

The clash at Old Trafford is not only a matter of pride between the two halves of Manchester, but also marks a crucial turning point for Man United. Michael Carrick will make his debut as interim manager, eight days after Ruben Amorim was sacked. Former captain Michael Carrick was a key figure in a period of stability and success for the club.

The battle in the midfield will decide the fate of the Manchester derby. (Image: GOAL)

This isn't Carrick's first time in charge at Old Trafford, but unlike his brief stint at the end of 2021, his return comes as the team struggles to rediscover its identity. Manchester United currently sit 7th in the Premier League, just 3 points behind the top 4, but their form has been unconvincing with only one win in their last 6 matches. Their early exit from the FA Cup has further fueled doubts about the Red Devils' ability to compete for titles this season.

The Manchester Derby therefore holds special significance; if Carrick can provide a morale boost, Man United could regain the fans' confidence. Conversely, a heavy defeat would soon cast a dark shadow over his interim tenure.

In the context of the team's inconsistent form, Bruno Fernandes continues to be Manchester United's biggest asset. Since the beginning of November 2025, only Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago (of Brentford) have directly contributed to more Premier League goals than the Red Devils' captain. Not only does he score and provide assists, Fernandes also leads the league in the number of chances created and passes that break down opposing defenses.

If Manchester United want to trouble Manchester City, they need a Bruno Fernandes in top form, intelligent enough to exploit the rare spaces behind the visitors' midfield. Fernandes' ability to link up with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha – two of Manchester United's best strikers – is also something Carrick hopes will make a difference.

New signing Semenyo provides additional support for Haaland.

Man City entered the derby with a run of 13 unbeaten matches across all competitions. After a slump at the start of 2026 marked by three consecutive draws in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola's side bounced back strongly with a crushing 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the FA Cup and a 2-0 win against Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final.

The center of attention, of course, remains Erling Haaland – the Norwegian striker who has been directly involved in 11 goals against Man United. Haaland's positioning, physical strength, and finishing ability have always been a difficult problem for the "Red Devils" defense.

Besides Haaland, new signing Antoine Semenyo has also emerged as a formidable attacking threat. Quickly adapting, Semenyo has made a clear impact after just two appearances, not to mention his past painful performances for Man United. His mobility allows Man City to be more flexible in their transitions between attacking and defensive phases.

A high-scoring match is a likely scenario, but Man City are considered to have the composure to leave Old Trafford with all three points.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thu-thach-cuc-dai-cho-michael-carrick-196260116213056043.htm