Confirmed United XI vs Man City: Maguire, Amad, Mbeumo back, Cunha and Sesko dropped

Michael Carrick has selected his first Manchester United XI in his interim role as manager.

There are a number of surprises, with Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha dropped and Harry Maguire recalled. It looks as if Bryan Mbeumo will be centre forward, with Amad and Patrick Dorgu on the wings.

Defence

Senne Lammens will be in goal.

The back four are Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.

It’s an experienced defence, with younger stars such as Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro missing out. Matthijs de Ligt is still injured, while Noussair Mazraoui is still representing Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Midfield and Attack

Carrick looks to have set up with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Casemiro replacing Manu Ugarte as the holding midfielder.

Kobbie Mainoo will play in the eight position, with Bruno Fernandes ahead in the 10 or 8/10.

The real surprises come up front, with the in~form Ben Sesko, who has scored three goals in his last two games, benched, along with Matheus Cunha. Mbeumo and Amad come straight back into the side after returning from AFCON, with Patrick Dorgu presumably taking Cunha’s role on the left side of the attack.

Substitutes

On the bench for this lunchtime’s derby are Altay Bayindir, Tyrell Malacia, Heaven, Yoro, Jack Fletcher, Mason Mount, Ugarte, Cunha and Sesko.

Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 12.30pm.

Introducing your derby day Reds

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2026

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

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