Manchester United vs Man City LIVE!
Michael Carrick made a winning start to life as Manchester United head coach as rivals Manchester City were brushed aside at Old Trafford on Saturday. The rejuvenated Red Devils were inspired as second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed a memorable victory in the derby, sending them up to fifth in the Premier League table and closing in on Liverpool in fourth.
And it could have been so much worse for City, with Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount all seeing efforts ruled out for offside. Amad and Harry Maguire also hit the woodwork, while United forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into several fine saves. Diogo Dalot was very lucky not to be sent off for a reckless early challenge on Jeremy Doku, though, while Pep Guardiola’s decision to substitute Erling Haaland - and replace him with an unproven teenager - when trailing 2-0 with 10 minutes to go will also make headlines.
It is another blow to City’s titles hopes after three successive draws, with Arsenal having the chance to move nine points clear at the summit as they travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening. City could end the weekend in third as Aston Villa host Everton on Sunday. Follow Manchester derby reaction live below!
Manchester United vs Man City highlights
- NO GOAL! Mount denied third with first touch
- Haaland subbed off with Man City 2-0 down
- GOAL! Dorgu doubles derby lead
- GOAL! Mbeumo breaks Donnarumma resistance
- NO GOAL! Fernandes also sees effort ruled out
- NO GOAL! Amad denied by offside flag
- Dalot avoids red card for Doku challenge
Fan reaction
17:05 , George FloodFor all the talk of Ruben Dias, John Stones and Josko Gvardiol, some City fans believe it was the absence of Matheus Nunes that was a major problem today as United tore down the flanks.
Let those who never understood the value you bring to this side see it clearly now.
— Hamza Khan (@Hamxamcfc) January 17, 2026
Let those who failed to appreciate the work, the consistency, the performances you’ve been putting in, finally put respect on your name, Matheus Luiz Nunes.#ManCity
Fan reaction
16:52 , George FloodSome inevitable criticism of the ineffectual Erling Haaland among Manchester City fans, but others are cutting their talisman some slack after a run of just one goal in his last seven appearances.
Erling Haaland has played EVERY single game for City & Norway with the exception of one since the summer. He’s absolutely knackered. No player survives a match schedule like this. I don’t blame him one bit. We need Marmoush more than ever to help offload Haaland.
— Real Talk Manchester City (@RealTalkMCFC) January 17, 2026
Fan reaction
16:33 , George FloodPlenty of deserved praise for Michael Carrick, though some United supporters believe today’s performance shows the squad is tailor-made for another managerial candidate...
The performance today beats any under Ruben Amorim but Carrick must be a temporary appointment.
— Michael Santos (@MJSantosTsss) January 17, 2026
De Zerbi would be perfect for this team, we beat City playing through the middle and play the ball fast to the wingers.
That’s very De Zerbi like, #MUFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/8Er7RP44EZ
Fan reaction
16:31 , George FloodThe mood amongst Manchester United fans on social media is understandably jubilant after one of their best afternoons for years...
Can we just enjoy the result and performance today. I don’t care about what happens tomorrow - right now.
— Jay (@MUFCJay2) January 17, 2026
I’m just immensely overjoyed at what I saw today. We have been starved of this! #MUFC
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
14:26 , George FloodFull-time
A dream derby debut for Carrick as City's title hopes are dealt another major blow.
Arsenal have the chance to go nine points clear at Nottingham Forest this evening.
And it could have been much more emphatic, with United having three goals ruled out for offside and hitting the woodwork twice, as well as forcing some top saves from Donnarumma.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
14:23 , George Flood93 mins: NO GOAL!
United denied by the offside flag for the third time today.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
14:21 , George Flood92 mins: They do have a third!
Mount slides past Donnarumma with his first touch after being teed up by Cunha.
The home fans are in disbelief as they close in on their biggest derby win since 1995.
Where has this performance been?! A penny for Amorim’s thoughts.
But hang on, this could be offside yet again...
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
14:20 , George Flood90 mins: Five minutes of stoppage time added.
Carrick sends on Heaven and Mount for Shaw and Fernandes.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
14:18 , George Flood90 mins: The irrepressible Amad beats Ake all ends up and lashes against the post!
What a goal and icing on the cake that would have been, wow.
Amad has been excellent today.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
14:16 , George Flood86 mins: Well off target from young Mukasa with an effort that just about sums up a wretched afternoon for City, whose title dreams are ebbing away very fast.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
14:15 , George Flood83 mins: Amad arrowed wide another promising effort for United a few minutes ago.
Now Reijnders drives low after good work from Cherki, but he can’t pick out the far bottom corner.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
14:10 , George Flood80 mins: Casemiro receives a standing ovation from the jubilant United fans as Carrick sends on Ugarte to try and help see this out.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
14:09 , George Flood79 mins: Doku, Silva and Haaland are replaced by Ait-Nouri, Reijnders and teenager Divine Mukasa.
A massive call from Guardiola to take off Haaland.
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
14:08 , George Flood78 mins: Semenyo can’t test Lammens and City fail to pick out Haaland with a cross as United stand firm once more.
Guardiola is preparing a triple change here...
GOAL! Man Utd 2-0 Man City | Patrick Dorgu 76'
14:04 , George Flood76 mins: Carrick in derby dreamland!
Dorgu gets across Lewis to expertly guide home Cunha’s low cross from the byline.
The United head coach jumps in delight on the touchline.
Sir Alex Ferguson is smiling in the stands.
Man Utd 1-0 Man City
14:03 , George Flood74 mins: Every full-back on the pitch is now on a yellow card as Lewis drags back Dorgu.
Man Utd 1-0 Man City
14:02 , George Flood72 mins: It’s all so very tame from City in attack at the moment as another desperate foray forward leads to nothing.
Arsenal fans will be loving every minute of this.
Aston Villa, too...
Man Utd 1-0 Man City
14:00 , George Flood70 mins: Carrick looks to his bench for the first time today with 20 minutes left as goalscorer Mbeumo heads off.
Cunha on.
Fine defensive work again from a swarm of red shirts to keep wounded City at bay.
Man Utd 1-0 Man City
13:59 , George Flood68 mins: City try to fight back with a couple of quick-fire corners, but their delivery has been bad all afternoon.
No better from Cherki.
GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Man City | Bryan Mbeumo 64'
13:53 , George Flood64 mins: This one will count!
Old Trafford erupts as Mbeumo is played in by Fernandes after Amad’s break and slots low across Donnarumma.
What a moment for Manchester United and Michael Carrick.
They fully deserve it.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:53 , George Flood63 mins: Something happened with Fernandes in the box a few moments ago, but we’re not sure exactly what and it’s been quickly checked and cleared by VAR anyway.
Maguire is limping after a coming together with Haaland.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:51 , George Flood62 mins: Another five save from the inspired Donnarumma as he pushes away an Mbeumo volley that was driven into the ground.
What a performance this has been so far from City’s goalkeeper.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:49 , George Flood59 mins: Nothing doing for City going forwards at the moment as we approach the hour mark.
Lewis’ low ball runs harmlessly through to Lammens.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:47 , George Flood56 mins: How are United not ahead?!
Dorgu picks out Amad with a lovely switched pass and the Ivorian cuts inside before stinging the palms of Donnarumma.
Casemiro stays on his feet after a risky challenge as he collects the rebound before he’s also denied by Donnarumma from close range.
The City goalkeeper celebrates wildly!
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:43 , George Flood53 mins: Dalot’s poor pass puts United in all sorts of trouble and Martinez has to fly across to divert Haaland’s fierce drive behind for a corner.
Superb defending.
Bernardo’s delivery from the right is then easily held by Lammens.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:41 , George Flood51 mins: Another dangerous move by confident United but Amad slips as Mbeumo tries to pick him out inside the City box.
Good play from United down the left as Shaw finds Dorgu, with United fans incensed as the Dane is denied a free-kick after being barged over by Khusanov.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:38 , George Flood48 mins: Another full-back quickly into the book as O’Reilly is cautioned for taking down Amad.
Not a great first impression.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:36 , George Flood46 mins: United straight back into the ascendancy as Dalot flashes a dangerous low cross to the back post that is just too strong for Mbeumo, Dorgu and Fernandes.
Two City subs at half-time
13:33 , George FloodGuardiola evidently not happy with his side’s display so far, with two half-time changes being made.
O’Reilly and Cherki are replacing Alleyne and Foden.
Should Dalot have been sent off?
13:32 , George FloodYou can have your say on that Dalot incident here, by the way...
Should Diogo Dalot have been sent off for his challenge on Jeremy Doku in the Manchester derby?
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) January 17, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/wCWOUd2yCc#MUNMCI
Fan reaction
13:32 , George FloodUnited fans also look to be pleased with their defensive display so far with a back four, as well as their greater attacking threat...
Defensive structure looking much better. Forwards with freedom to attack
— indiana (@indiana_imo) January 17, 2026
Football doesn’t need reinventing at Manchester United #MUFC
Fan reaction
13:30 , George FloodUnsurprisingly, Manchester United supporters on social media seem very encouraged with that lively first 45 minutes under Carrick, despite the lack of (non-offside) goals...
Despite dominating possession, City look shaky at the back. We've created the big chances. Amad & Bruno both unlucky with offside calls after rounding the keeper. Intensity, aggression, and real belief under Carrick.
— Manuel (@Godwithus4L) January 17, 2026
Come on United, finish the job in the second half #MUFC
Fan reaction as Dalot avoids red card
13:28 , George FloodFans, pundits and referee expert Mike Dean all appear united in their belief that Dalot absolutely should have been sent off for his awful early challenge on Doku.
“100 per cent a red card,” says Dean.
City fans agree...
How the hell is that not a red card? What is the point of VAR if not spotting that Dalot was so high with what I would suggest was a deliberate foul? Were you watching, Craig Pawson? #mcfc
— Vernon (@lecrin) January 17, 2026
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:23 , George FloodHalf-time
And breathe!
A really entertaining opening 45 minutes at Old Trafford, where Carrick will be hugely encouraged.
Amad and Fernandes both had goals ruled out for offside after Maguire somehow hit the crossbar from point-blank range early.
City have also had their chances, with Alleyne’s header cleared off the line and Semenyo going close.
They will feel that Dalot should have seen red for his challenge on Doku.
Surely this won’t end 0-0, will it?!
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:19 , George Flood47 mins: Rodri brings down Dorgu to halt a United break and becomes the first City player to be shown yellow.
Shaw is then whistled for a foul on Haaland as a free-kick is floated in.
The City striker is still down receiving treatment as the half-time whistle sounds.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:16 , George Flood45 mins: Into two minutes of stoppage time at the end of a pulsating first half at Old Trafford.
Somehow, it’s still goalless...
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:12 , George Flood42 mins: NO GOAL!
Offside again.
City breathe another huge sigh of relief.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:12 , George Flood40 mins: Old Trafford rejoices once more as Fernandes goes clear from Martinez’s excellent long ball and also rounds Donnarumma to calmly roll in despite the best efforts of Ake.
Again the offside flag is up, though!
To VAR we go again...
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:10 , George Flood39 mins: Replays show it was a mix of Lammens and Dalot that kept out that Alleyne header.
City are moving the ball well now on the edge of the United box and the in-form Semenyo flashes a low drive narrowly wide.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:09 , George Flood36 mins: Alleyne’s header from a corner looks to be cleared off the line and Haaland can’t turn home the rebound at the back post.
Did Lammens make the save?
He had given away the cheapest of corners so unnecessarily.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:05 , George Flood34 mins: NO GOAL!
Amad is just offside, but a great move from United nonetheless and Carrick must be extremely encouraged.
0-0 it remains.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:04 , George Flood33 mins: The impressive Amad rounds Donnarumma to slot home what he thinks is the opening goal of the derby as Old Trafford erupts.
This will go to VAR for a potential offside, though.
It will be close...
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:03 , George Flood31 mins: Mainoo blocks a long-range drive from Doku.
United are spreading the pitch well and Amad looks very dangerous cutting in off the right.
A huge chance as City lose the ball and Fernandes tries to find Mbeumo, but Khusanov is there.
Fernandes is furious. Replays show Mbeumo wasn’t offside...
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:00 , George Flood28 mins: City are now seeing plenty of the ball but doing little with it.
Mbeumo tries to glance a header on target for United but gets it all wrong.
Another painful one for Rodri as Mainoo steps on his heel.
There’s a VAR check for handball in the box against Khusanov, but it’s quickly over.
No penalty.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:58 , George Flood24 mins: City force another corner as a stretching Dalot blocks behind from Doku.
It’s another disappointing delivery though, this time from Foden.
Why Dalot was not sent off for Doku challenge
12:57 , George FloodHere’s the explanation from the Premier League Match Centre on why Dalot wasn’t sent off for that woeful early challenge on Doku...
#MUNMCI – 10’
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) January 17, 2026
The referee’s call of yellow card to Dalot for a reckless challenge was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be glancing and not with excessive force.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:55 , George Flood22 mins: Confident goalkeeping again from the towering Donnarumma to pluck another dangerous-looking United cross out of the air.
He’s been brilliant so far.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:54 , George Flood21 mins: Great play from Dorgu, who takes down a cross to the back post and quickly tests Donnarumma’s reflexes with a low strike that is parried away.
At the other end, a poor effort from Doku draws ironic cheers from the Stretford End.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:52 , George Flood18 mins: A bit of afters now between the feisty Silva and much bigger Maguire.
This is lively stuff so far at Old Trafford.
A rogue Amad pass halted a promising United counter in its tracks.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:48 , George Flood16 mins: Lively derby fare now as Shaw slides in very late on Rodri after Khusanov was initially caught out by Dorgu and had to fight to win possession back for City deep inside his own half.
Shaw can have no complaints. Both United full-backs now booked, up against Doku and Semenyo for 75 minutes.
Best of luck, lads...
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:45 , George Flood15 mins: City have recovered from that early wobble to find their footing and captain Bernardo Silva now glances a header off target from Semenyo’s stood-up cross.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:44 , George Flood13 mins: City are quickly caught offside as the resulting free-kick is floated into the box, but they swiftly come again as Shaw has to come round and crucially nick the ball away from Foden.
Haaland still has it, but can’t work a shooting opportunity and the chance is lost.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:43 , George Flood11 mins: A first major flashpoint of the game as Doku quickly moves the ball away from Dalot, whose studs then graze the top of Doku’s shin in a very poor challenge indeed.
It’s the first yellow card of the derby, confirmed by VAR.
Any more force and that surely would have been red.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:41 , George Flood9 mins: Fernandes almost plays in Mbeumo, with Donnarumma again fast off his line to snuff out the danger.
Amad blocks Doku’s cross at the other end for a first City corner, but it’s a dreadful delivery at the front post by the Belgian that is easily cleared by Fernandes as United look to counter.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:38 , George Flood7 mins: Carrick will be thrilled with this lively start from United, who look full of energy and menace.
Mainoo’s long-range drive is easily held by Donnarumma.
City need to get a foot on the ball, fast.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:37 , George Flood5 mins: Perhaps unsurprisingly, City are looking extremely nervy at the back early on as Alleyne is caught on the ball in a dangerous area.
Donnarumma rushes out of his box to tidy up.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:34 , George Flood4 mins: A nice and confident start from United, who are dominating possession early on here and already asking questions of City’s depleted defence.
They force a corner and Maguire heads against the crossbar from point-blank range after soaring above Haaland at the back post.
How did he miss it?! My word.
Man Utd vs Man City
12:32 , George FloodUnderway in the Manchester derby!
Will it be a dream start for Michael Carrick?
We have a Manchester referee for the derby again in Anthony Taylor, who is from Wythenshawe.
Craig Pawson is the lead VAR official.
Red vs blue in terms of kits, as it should be.
Teams are out
12:28 , George FloodHere come the teams at Old Trafford as the Stone Roses blare out on derby day.
The first since the sad passing of legendary Roses bassist and lifelong United fan Mani in November.
Carrick is already trying to get the home fans to up the noise levels...
Guardiola confirms Nunes illness
12:22 , George FloodPep Guardiola confirms ahead of kick-off that Matheus Nunes is suffering with the flu.
He also says he is none the wiser after that team selection how Manchester United are going to shape up tactically today under Michael Carrick.
He’s certainly not alone on that score...
Fan reaction
12:15 , George FloodManchester United fans are eagerly trying to work out Michael Carrick’s formation ahead of kick-off.
A back four or something more complicated?
Could be 3-4-3 you know…Bruno false nine with Amad and Mbeumo either side. Kobbie and Casemiro central and Dalot & Dorgu wing backs. Back three of Maguire, Licha and Shaw #MUFC #MUNMCI
— Silvio Scicluna (@silvscic) January 17, 2026
Mainoo makes first Premier League start of season
12:12 , George FloodNo need for any free Kobbie Mainoo T-shirts at Old Trafford today.
The much-discussed midfielder, of whom Ruben Amorim was obviously not a fan, finally makes his first Premier League start of the season - and what an occasion for it.
A big show of faith from Michael Carrick, who knows a thing or two about running a United midfield.
Carrick explains decision to drop Cunha and Sesko
11:59 , George FloodHere is what Michael Carrick told Gary Neville on Sky Sports when asked about dropping both Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko from Manchester United’s attack for the derby.
“We have a good squad,” he said.
“There will always be players disappointed not to start, but finishing the game can be even more important.
“They have huge talent and it's nothing personal.”
Man City fans worried about depleted defence
11:56 , George FloodHow about fan reaction to that Manchester City team, then?
Unsurprisingly, many are concerned by a makeshift defence that is now even more depleted by the absence of right-back Matheus Nunes with the flu.
Plenty also feel that the excellent Rayan Cherki is unlucky not to start, but, for all his issues at the back, Pep Guardiola has an absolute embarrassment of riches in attack.
That defense doesn’t fill me with confidence, to say the least. Donnarumma has to be on top of his game today. Attacking wise we look good but would’ve loved to see Cherki in the lineup. But oh well we all know he’ll come on eventually
— Real Talk Manchester City (@RealTalkMCFC) January 17, 2026
Fan reaction
11:52 , George FloodGary Neville says he thought Matheus Cunha would have started today, a view shared by plenty of Manchester United supporters.
Though others are more shocked to see Sesko drop out given his recent upturn in front of goal...
Sesko dropped which is a surprise given he's got 3 in his last 2.
— Ruudboy (@RuudboyMUFC) January 17, 2026
But not surprised Cunha has been dropped, he's simply not produced enough #MUNMCI
Man Utd fans react to first Carrick team selection
11:50 , George FloodManchester United fans on social media do not seem thrilled with that first team selection from Michael Carrick, to put it mildly.
No Cunha or Sesko against a team down to the bare bones in defence?
It seems very cautious, it must be said...
Sesko and Cunha dropped which means a false 9 and low block for the derby.
— James (@11J99_) January 17, 2026
Gonna be a long afternoon, lads.#mufc #MUNMCI
No Matheus Nunes: Man City's defensive crisis gets worse
11:41 , George FloodManchester City’s defensive selection crisis gets worse with Matheus Nunes also now out with what Pep Guardiola has confirmed is illness.
Rico Lewis is at right-back instead, with Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov again the centre-back pairing.
Nathan Ake stays at left-back, with Nico O’Reilly - who started in midfield at Newcastle - only on the bench.
Rodri is back in, with the attacking unit unchanged from midweek with new signing Antoine Semenyo hoping to keep up his impressive scoring run.
City have two goalkeepers on the bench in James Trafford and Marcus Bettinelli, with Gianluigi Donnarumma back after his cup rest.
Carrick goes bold with five changes for Man Utd
11:36 , George FloodMichael Carrick has made five changes from the FA Cup defeat by Brighton with a bold-looking team selection.
Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko have all dropped to the bench, along with Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw both come into defence, while Amad Diallo is back and Bryan Mbeumo leads the line.
Kobbie Mainoo starts alongside the returning Casemiro in midfield, no Joshua Zirkzee at all.
Man City lineup
11:20 , George FloodMan City XI: Donnarumma, Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake, Rodri, Bernardo, Semenyo, Foden, Doku, Haaland
Subs: Trafford, Bettinelli, Reijnders, Cherki, Ait-Nouri, O'Reilly, McAidoo, Mukasa, Mfuni
Manchester United lineup
11:18 , George FloodMan Utd XI: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo
Subs: Bayindir, Yoro, Heaven, Malacia, Ugarte, J Fletcher, Mount, Cunha, Sesko
Roy Keane blasts Jonny Evans appointment again
11:17 , George FloodRoy Keane is very irate again during some lively pre-derby discussions with ex-City duo Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards on Sky Sports.
He’s mostly exasperated by Jonny Evans’ place on Michael Carrick’s coaching staff again.
Keane says he is concerned as Carrick “failed” at Middlesbrough, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t get results for United...
"I'm more concerned with the appointment"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 17, 2026
"You could say Carrick failed at Middlesbrough" 😬
Roy Keane has reservations over the managerial situation at Manchester United 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/275LH4YImr
Good reception for Carrick on Old Trafford return
11:12 , George FloodA good reception from fans for Michael Carrick on his way into Old Trafford this morning...
Man Utd XI 'leaked' on social media - is it right?
11:10 , George FloodOfficial lineups are now less than 10 minutes away at Old Trafford, but a “leaked” Manchester United team has been doing the rounds on social media this morning.
It is: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo.
We’ll see very shortly if it’s right...
Marc Guehi to Man City transfer latest
11:03 , George FloodSo what is the latest on Marc Guehi to Manchester City?
Oliver Glasner confirmed yesterday that the Crystal Palace captain’s transfer to the Etihad Stadium was in its “final stages”.
City are believed to be paying just £20m for Guehi, who will sign a five-and-a-half year contract and won’t feature for Palace away at Sunderland this afternoon.
Guehi is out of contract at Selhurst Park in the summer and Palace are taking their last chance to bank some money for him as he won’t sign an extension, having pulled the plug on Liverpool’s £35m deal at the 11th hour on Deadline Day in the summer having failed to line up a suitable replacement.
Liverpool had been expected to battle Arsenal for a free transfer at the end of the season, until City swooped decisively amid their defensive injury crisis.
Fan predictions
10:56 , George FloodIt is safe to say that many Manchester United fans are not exactly feeling confident ahead of today’s derby challenge...
This could be up there for the least hyped derby ever. Like there's nothing positive about the club going into the game 😂 is anyone remotely confident for a win? #MUFC #MUNMCI
— Alex (@Alexjm05) January 17, 2026
Neville: Carrick cannot be considered for permanent Man Utd job
10:52 , George FloodCould interim Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick yet be a contender to succeed the sacked Ruben Amorim on a permanent basis in the summer?
Yesterday, many people’s favourite for the full-time job, Oliver Glasner, announced in a remarkable press conference - having already confirmed Marc Guehi’s imminent transfer to Manchester City - that he would be leaving Crystal Palace at the end of the season in search of a new challenge.
Gary Neville believes that ex-team-mate Carrick cannot be considered as an option for the role beyond the end of his short-term contract, insisting that Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino should all be in the frame.
"I hope he does really well," Neville said of Carrick.
"There cannot be any consideration that Michael takes the job beyond this season, for Michael and for the club.
"If he wins every game, we could be sat here in the season where he's done unbelievably well, and we're always thinking if the fans are up and they're in the Champions League places, fifth or whatever, it could happen if there's a good run and we could all be getting swayed with it.
"I honestly feel like at the end of the season, when you've got Pochettino, Tuchel and Ancelotti.
"I've said Ancelotti as I just feel purely because he's 66 years of age, he's got probably the best job in the world right now [Brazil national team].
“He's probably got one job left at club level. If there's one person who's got the patience, the composure, the experience of the Premier League."
Carrick supported by Man Utd hierarchy ahead of extended job audition
10:45 , George FloodMichael Carrick has been supported in his first few days in the job by the Manchester United hierarchy, with co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers both at their Carrington training ground on Thursday along with CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
"I've spoken to Jason an awful lot," Carrick said yesterday.
"I'm working closely with Jason and Omar as well. Over the last few days we've spoken a lot, as you can imagine.
"The ownership group were in and around it. It was nice to see them and meet them yesterday and have a small chat with them.
"They're taking care of business in some ways, but we were able to share a few things. They wished us all the very best and it was good to see them.
“No [they have not told me their expectations], not in terms of it has to be this way or that way.
"We want to be near the top...we want to be top of the league, I mean that's pretty obvious to say.
"We've got to take some small steps towards that, and European football obviously would be a step forward and we have got to keep pushing."
Carrick responds to Keane's 'big mouth' dig at his wife Lisa
10:39 , George FloodNo prizes for guessing who Sky Sports have lined up to cover today’s Manchester derby, with Roy Keane and Gary Neville both part of the broadcast.
There could well be more controversy ahead after his week’s episode of the Stick to Football podcast, where Keane reignited a feud from 2014 with Carrick’s wife Lisa, whom he said had a “big mouth” as he joked that she could be picking the team.
Lisa Carrick previously reacted on social media after Keane had criticised a post-match interview with her husband after United’s Champions League defeat by Olympiacos 12 years ago.
Michael insisted yesterday at his pre-match press conference that the personal jibe did not bother him, and said he would not be impacted by comments from fellow high-profile ex-United players in the media.
"They're not putting more pressure on me," he said. "I don't feel that.
"I think it's just part of it. The role, I understand it, I understand there's plenty of opinions around and some are positive, some not so much.
"But I think in some ways, for me, in terms of you saying about putting pressure, it's totally irrelevant in terms of me and how I go to work and what I focus on.
"I kind of know already what we want to improve on and how we want to work with the players.
"There's a lot of opinions, a lot can be said. It's the way of the world. I'm not going to pay too much attention to most of that.
"I think it's not for me to do that. I think for me and the players and the staff, it's a focus on how we're going to succeed, really, and that's our job. That's our responsibility.
"That's what we're focusing on, (where) our minds should be at. It's doing what we can for this club."
Calm before the Old Trafford derby storm
10:25 , George FloodThe calm before the inevitable derby storm at Old Trafford, which should be absolutely bouncing in a couple of hours’ time.
The floodlights are already on amid gloomy January skies in the north-west.
Manchester United have not scored in four of the their last five home league games against Manchester City, per Opta, a record they will hope to break today.
They lost the reverse fixture 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium back in mid-September, with Erling Haaland netting a second-half brace after Phil Foden’s early opener.
Denis Law remembered on day of Manchester derby
10:19 , George FloodA poignant afternoon ahead at Old Trafford as today’s derby clash takes place on the one-year anniversary of the death of the great Denis Law.
The Scottish icon of course played for both of these clubs during his illustrious career.
‘The King’ will never be forgotten.
An icon of the game.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2026
On 17 January last year, we lost the late, great, Denis Law ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kOhNfdYQk2
Manchester United vs Man City prediction
10:15 , George FloodCould Manchester United get a new manager bounce in Michael Carrick’s first game?
They didn’t get one under caretaker boss Darren Fletcher at Burnley, and their poor run continued in the FA Cup against Brighton.
United held City to a goalless draw in Ruben Amorim’s only derby at Old Trafford, and Pep Guardiola’s side aren’t in the best of league form coming into this.
It could be a tight game, especially considering City’s absentee list.
Man City to win, 2-1.
Man City team news: No Guehi yet as Gonzalez faces fitness test
10:11 , George FloodManchester City are on the verge of signing England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in a cut-price £20million deal, but that transfer is not quite done yet so Pep Guardiola remains notably short on centre-back options.
Ruben Dias and John Stones are still both weeks away from returning, while Josko Gvardiol is recovering from a fractured leg.
Nico Gonzalez faces a late fitness test, while City also remain without Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb and Savinho due to injury.
Omar Marmoush is still at AFCON with Egypt, who face Nigeria in the third-place play-off later today.
Manchester United team news: Mbeumo and Amad return
10:06 , George FloodMichael Carrick has been handed a sizable double selection boost for the first game of his interim Manchester United managerial reign.
Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo have both now returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and were back training at Carrington this week.
Matthijs de Ligt is United’s only known injury absentee with a lingering back issue, while young winger Shea Lacey is suspended after his late dismissal in the FA Cup defeat by Brighton.
Noussair Mazraoui is still away at AFCON as Morocco prepare for tomorrow’s final against Senegal on home soil.
How to watch Manchester United vs Man City
10:02 , George FloodTV channel: In the UK, today’s Manchester derby will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 11am GMT.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Manchester United vs Man City live
09:57 , George FloodGood morning and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of a blockbuster Manchester derby showdown this lunchtime to kick off the Premier League’s return following the FA Cup third-round programme.
Michael Carrick takes charge of United for the first time since being handed the head coaching reins until the end of the season, while Pep Guardiola is desperately hoping that his injury-hit side can get their title push back on track after statement cup wins and with Arsenal not playing until later.
Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 12:30pm GMT, so keep it right here for match build-up, team news and live updates.
