Michael Carrick, Manchester United’s interim manager, is preparing for his first Manchester derby. They’ll meet their arch-nemeses, Manchester City, at Old Trafford this coming Saturday. For United, Carrick is making his official debut as the head coach in this match. It comes at a particularly opportune moment for both teams. For their part, United took the spoils 2-1 in this fixture last season at the Etihad Stadium. They’ll remember that rumble as they face a City team that’s starting to find their groove again.
While Manchester United sits seventh in the Premier League table with only one win in their last six league matches, Manchester City is positioned as serious contenders for the title. City now finds itself in second place in the league, only six points behind Arsenal. They’d love nothing more than to build off their recent hot streaks, such as their 10-1 FA Cup thrashing of Exeter City and their 2-0 League Cup semifinal triumph over Newcastle United.
Carrick’s Challenge
Michael Carrick takes temporary charge of the club as the Red Devils continue to be highly inconsistent. The team’s recent struggles have caused many to question their consistency and avoidability to compete at the highest level. Carrick, in his own way, was trying to tell you to be excited about this new thing.
“I feel in a really good place to be here. It feels very natural, to be honest, very normal,” – Michael Carrick
More than winning, he reinforced the need to have fun playing the game and winning. As he gears up for the derby, it’s hard not to get swept up in his enthusiasm as he says,
“I want to be enjoying watching the boys play and results obviously need to come with that. You can feel my kind of enthusiasm for it because I’m buzzing to get started and see what we can do.” – Michael Carrick
Despite challenges ahead, including injuries and suspensions affecting his squad, Carrick seeks to inspire his players and turn their fortunes around.
City’s Resurgence
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has emerged firmly on the other side of a difficult stretch from last season. With fierce ambitions, they are atop their impressive and runaway title defense. This year, they’ve proven themselves once again to be dangerous players. Their outrageous attack, through Erling Haaland, has found the net 20 times in the Premier League this season, including two in their most recent match against United.
City’s recent performances are an indication of their return to form. After achieving historic and, quite frankly, amazing successes in domestic competitions, they’re hopeful to continue riding that wave in the league. Guardiola himself admitted that they need to provide more support for Haaland, particularly with fellow attacker Omar Marmoush coming back from AFCON.
“Hopefully Omar will be back soon to give rest to Erling because Erling is exhausted,” – Pep Guardiola
The city is in turmoil, as much of their big three have been knocked out with injuries. Among those missing include Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb, and Savinho. Even despite these hurdles, City’s depth and attacking prowess will cause problems for any opponent.
The Derby Outlook
As both clubs sit in an important transitional period, the upcoming Manchester derby has big implications. United will look to spark a revival now under Carrick’s management, while City will want to assert themselves more as the title challengers. Even if their league form at times has been underwhelming, Carrick will want to tap into the electric atmosphere of an Old Trafford home crowd.
As United prepares without key players like Noussair Mazraoui, who remains with Morocco at AFCON, and Matthijs de Ligt, who is sidelined due to injury, the interim manager must find ways to motivate his squad. United’s hopes are further hobbled by Forward Shea Lacey’s suspension, as United gives chase against an impressive City machine.
Compare that to City’s recent successes which indicate they are starting to get their groove back. The pressure is on both managers and players as they aim for victory in one of football’s most iconic rivalries.
