Just in: Carrick given first-day double boost as Man Utd duo return to training

Manchester United wingers Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo have resumed training with their teammates at Carrington after returning from the African Cup of Nations.The two stars have been sorely missed over the past few weeks, as they have been absolute protagonists this season.Amad cemented himself as a key player at United during Ruben Amorim’s 14-month stint, but he has now been reunited with Michael Carrick, who had already coached him during his early days at the club.As for Mbeumo, he has only joined the Reds in the summer on a £70 million transfer from Brentford, but his influential displays made him an instant hit with the MUFC fanbase.Amad Diallo & Bryan Mbeumo rejoin Man United training(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)After being officially appointed as Man Utd’s interim head coach on Tuesday evening, Carrick arrived at Carrington on Wednesday morning for his first training session.Luckily for the 44-year-old, he found Amad and Mbeumo at his disposal, so he’ll be able to rely on their services in his baptism of fire against Man City on Saturday.The duo have been pictured training alongside their teammates. 🚨 BREAKING: Bryan Mbeumo and Amad return to the squad! 🤩🔥 A timely boost at a crucial moment💪 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/ocdEZNXw8s — Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) January 14, 2026While the African Cup of Nations has yet to conclude (the final will take place on Sunday), the two players’ respective nations were eliminated in the quarter-finals, which paved the way for an early return to Manchester.Amad & Mbeumo find a different Man Utd on their returnAmad was one of the tournament’s top stars, playing an integral role in Ivory Coast’s path towards the final eight, contributing with three goals and two assists. However, he couldn’t guide his team past Mo Salah’s Egypt, who prevailed by three goals to two. Man Utd stats in 25/26 Appearances Goals Assists Amad Diallo 17 7 1 Bryan Mbeumo 16 2 3 On the other hand, Mbeumo had a much more modest tournament, only providing one assist in his five appearances for Cameroon, who were eliminated by Noussair Mazraoui’s Morocco.Interestingly, when the two players departed for AFCON last month, Amorim was still in charge, with no signs of an imminent sacking in the year. The duo also missed Darren Fletcher’s brief two-match stint.