Carrick poised to make four Man Utd changes vs Man City as £65m star returns - view

Manchester United entertain Manchester City in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have shared the spoils in their last three league games. They recently bowed out of the FA Cup after a 2-1 third-round loss to Brighton & Hove Albion at home.

Hence, United have only the league to focus on for the remainder of the season, and the onus should be on qualifying for the Champions League with a top-four/top-five finish.

The club are currently three points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool and one behind fifth-placed Brentford.

Saturday’s Manchester derby appears a must-win if they want to avoid dropping further down the league standings.

United are seventh with 32 points. Only three points separate them from Brighton in 11th, who have a similar goal difference.

Ahead of the much-awaited derby, the Red Devils have confirmed that Michael Carrick will take charge as interim manager for the season.

We believe the 44-year-old could make at least four changes from the Brighton defeat last weekend.

Two changes in defence

Leny Yoro had another poor outing against Brighton on Sunday. He was partly at fault for Danny Welbeck’s winner for the Seagulls. The Frenchman was caught ball-watching instead of blocking the pass into the striker’s path.

The Frenchman is likely to be dropped to the bench. Harry Maguire could be poised to make his first start since recovering from a hamstring injury. The experienced ace should get the nod over Ayden Heaven in the right centre-back role.

Heaven has had a good few weeks with the Red Devils, but him being left-footed and the unfamiliarity to the right centre-back position could be a disadvantage against Man City’s quick dribblers in Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo.

Alongside Maguire, Luke Shaw should be reinstated at left-back ahead of Patrick Dorgu. Shaw’s defensive discipline should get him the nod over Dorgu, who is better going forward but has had plenty of lapses in his defensive play this term.

Casemiro returns in midfield

Manuel Ugarte’s glaring mistake also contributed to Welbeck’s goal. The Uruguayan was right beside the striker in the lead-up. Like Yoro, he was focused on Brajan Gruda, which allowed Welbeck to free up space and time to unleash his powerful strike on goal.

In our view, Casemiro should return to the starting XI from the off, after getting a much-needed breather. He was a late substitute last weekend. The Brazilian is likely to be partnered with Kobbie Mainoo, who was neat and tidy in the heart of the midfield before his early substitution due to a yellow card.

Bryan Mbeumo on the right wing

Mason Mount was almost non-existent as a right winger against Brighton. He has occasionally played in the position in the past, but struggled to impose himself before his substitution at the hour mark when Shea Lacey replaced him.

Lacey showed glimpses of his immense potential, but unfortunately got the marching orders for two yellow card offences. Carrick is now expected to pick Mbeumo on the right wing after his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Amad Diallo has likewise returned from the continental competition, but he is likely to play second fiddle to Mbeumo at least in the short term. Mbeumo, signed for an initial £65 million from Brentford, has been one of United’s bright sparks this season with seven goals in 17 games.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .