Confirmed United XI vs Man City: Maguire, Amad, Mbeumo back, Cunha and Sesko dropped

Michael Carrick has selected his first Manchester United XI in his interim role as manager. There are a number of surprises, with Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha dropped and Harry Maguire recalled. It looks as if Bryan Mbeumo will be centre forward, with Amad and Patrick Dorgu on the wings. Defence Senne Lammens will be in goal. The back four are Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw. It’s an experienced defence, with younger stars such as Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro missing out. Matthijs de Ligt is still injured, while Noussair Mazraoui is still representing Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations. Midfield and Attack Carrick looks to have set up with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Casemiro replacing Manu Ugarte as the holding midfielder. Kobbie Mainoo will play in the eight position, with Bruno Fernandes ahead in the 10 or 8/10. The real surprises come up front, with the in~form Ben Sesko, who has scored three goals in his last two games, benched, along with Matheus Cunha. Mbeumo and Amad come straight back into the side after returning from AFCON, with Patrick Dorgu presumably taking Cunha’s role on the left side of the attack. Substitutes On the bench for this lunchtime’s derby are Altay Bayindir, Tyrell Malacia, Heaven, Yoro, Jack Fletcher, Mason Mount, Ugarte, Cunha and Sesko. Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 12.30pm. Introducing your derby day Reds ❤️‍🔥 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2026 Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Red Billy Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and two magazines and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy first saw United live in 1971, watching George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, before becoming a League Match ticket book holder from 1975/76 and a writer since 1995. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.