Michael Carrick handed ‘massive’ boost as ‘new signings’ to start for Man United vs Man City
Michael Carrick has been handed a “massive” boost after both Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo have returned from AFCON in the last week.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that both players have made themselves available for the clash with Man City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Both Ivory Coast and Cameroon were eliminated in the AFCON quarter-finals, against Egypt and Morocco respectively, granting both players early returns.
Noussair Mazraoui‘s Morocco side have since progressed into the final, where they will face Senegal with the hope of lifting the trophy on home turf.
However, the two returning players will be “like new signings” for Carrick as United’s recent frustrating results came largely as a result of their absences.
Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo hand Man United boost
Brown warned Football Insider in November that AFCON would cause problems for Man United, with Ruben Amorim massively concerned about losing three key players.
In their absence, the Red Devils have won just one of their six games, including frustrating draws against Wolves, Leeds and Burnley, but they are now set for a major boost.
“I don’t think there are any major transfer plans at United,” he told Football Insider.
“They were just waiting for Mbeumo and Amad to come back from AFCON, that will be a huge boost and it’s a cliche but they’ll be like new signings.
“They’re so important to any success United have and they’ve definitely been missed. It’s going to be a massive boost having them back.
“Ivory Coast lost to Egypt in the quarter-final, and Cameroon lost to Morocco, so both players are back and available for the game against Man City.
“I think both should be ready to start, there shouldn’t be any fitness issues there because they’ve been playing regularly, it doesn’t matter who for.
“But the fixtures don’t get any easier, they’ve got City and then Arsenal, so they’ll need all of their players ready and available to help the cause.”
Michael Carrick makes Man United transfer plan
Despite having no major plans to add to their squad this month, United are keen to land improvements should the right opportunities arise.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 15 January that Carrick wants to sign a left-winger as a priority after holding talks with Jason Wilcox this week.
Matheus Cunha started on the left wing during Man United’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup, but is not seen as a long-term option in that position.
As a result, the club’s recruitment team are scouring the market for suitable loan options which would fit within their budget for the mid-season window.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 9 January that Man United have no plans to spend big this month, and instead plan to back the next permanent boss in the summer.
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