Manuel Ugarte and £52m star – Three flops Michael Carrick must axe ahead of Manchester derby
Michael Carrick has been thrown straight into the spotlight as Man United prepare to face Man City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Man United parted ways with Ruben Amorim following a behind-the-scenes bust-up with Jason Wilcox, with the former Middlesbrough boss now in charge until the end of the season.
The 44-year-old had a previous interim spell at Old Trafford, and he will now be back at the wheel when United travel across Manchester to take on their biggest rivals on 17 January.
Man United drew 2-2 with Burnley before crashing out of the FA Cup to Brighton – Darren Fletcher‘s second game in charge – while Pep Guardiola‘s side put 10 past Exeter City before beating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
With such a huge game ahead, Carrick has some key decisions to make, and these three players could face a game on the bench following their last performances.
Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte is rarely a favourite at Man United, and against the Seagulls, supporters were far from impressed by the 24-year-old, who was paired alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
Frankly, he was overrun in the middle of the park, despite winning 75 per cent of his ground duels and 60 per cent of his tackles [FotMob], being hooked for Casemiro for the final 10 minutes.
Fans will be desperate for Mainoo to be given another chance in midfield, but in such a huge rivalry, Casemiro might be needed if the Red Devils have any chance of getting one over on Guardiola.
Leny Yoro
Many have been baffled as to why Amorim rarely started the young Frenchman, though he has been known to make the odd mistake, likely due to his age and lack of experience.
Against Brighton, though, he left a lot to be desired, winning just 43 per cent of his ground duels and 33 per cent of his aerial duels [FotMob], allowing for Danny Welbeck to have a brilliant game in attack.
This time, he would be up against Erling Haaland, who already has 20 goals in the Premier League this season, and Carrick cannot afford any more mistakes in the defensive third.
Mason Mount
Mason Mount has experienced such a topsy-turvy 2025-26 campaign, and a starring role against one of the league’s most in-form teams could see yet another peak in his season.
But after failing to have the desired impact in the FA Cup, being hooked just after the hour mark, a switch of full-back to winger for Patrick Dorgu might make the most sense on this occasion.
The former Chelsea man failed to create any chances on the right flank, and if he produces similar stats against Man City, he will be hammered by the travelling supporters, without a doubt.