The stakes are high as Manchester United prepares to clash with Manchester City! With the race for the top four heating up, every match is crucial. The Red Devils, aiming to narrow the gap, are almost at full strength, but they'll be missing defender Matthijs de Ligt. Excitingly, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are back in training after their Africa Cup of Nations journeys.
Currently, United sits in seventh place in the Premier League, with 17 games remaining. They're just three points behind Liverpool, who are in fourth place.
Now, let's dive into the expected lineup. It's anticipated that the team will adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to what was used when Carrick took over as caretaker manager back in November 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure.
Predicting the team selection seems relatively straightforward. Senne Lammens is likely to be in goal. The back four is expected to mirror the one from the Brighton match. Luke Shaw, who missed the last game, could return at left-back, potentially replacing Patrick Dorgu.
In defense, Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez played together against Brighton. However, Harry Maguire might start this time, offering more physicality alongside Martinez, especially with de Ligt out due to injury.
In the midfield, Kobbie Mainoo, who only had his second start of the season in the FA Cup, could be chosen to partner with Casemiro. Bruno Fernandes will captain the side from the No. 10 position.
On the wings, Matheus Cunha played on the right against Brighton, with Mason Mount on the left. However, Mbeumo is expected to return on the right flank, and Amad provides another option from the bench.
Upfront, Benjamin Sesko is likely to start, with Joshua Zirkzee as the alternative.
Predicted Man Utd XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Injured: de Ligt
Match Details:
- Date and time: 12:30 PM GMT on Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Venue: Old Trafford
- How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event
But here's where it gets interesting... The choice of Maguire over Yoro could be seen as a tactical decision to bolster the defense's physicality. And this is the part most people miss... the impact of returning players like Mbeumo and Diallo could be a game-changer.
What do you think? Will United's tactical adjustments be enough to secure a win? Do you agree with the predicted lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
