Game-changers: United welcome back “outstanding” duo as Carrick’s hopes of beating City rocket up

Manchester United have welcomed Amad and Bryan Mbeumo back to training today in a massive boost ahead of the Derby this weekend, according to the club website. A Big Loss The attacking duo have not played for the Red Devils since the thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on December 16 after leaving for the African Cup of Nations. Amad was representing the Ivory Coast while Mbeumo led Cameroon at the tournament in Morocco, with Noussair Mazraoui also leaving to star for the host nation. But the 28-year-old defender remains away, as the Atlas Lions hope to make history on home soil with a semi-final clash against Nigeria later today. By contrast, Amad and Mbeumo flew back to England this week after both of their nations were knocked out in the quarter-final. The Ivorian winger, in particular, had an outstanding tournament. Despite personal disappointment, their return has come at a pivotal moment in the season with United preparing to face Manchester City in Michael Carrick’s first game as caretaker manager. INEOS’s decision to sack Ruben Amorim last week sent shockwaves across the club after 14 months of steadfast support of the Portuguese coach, despite little evidence on the pitch to justify it. Given the deterioration in results over the Christmas period, it would be hard to argue against the idea that had Amad and Mbeumo both been available for this tough run, Amorim would still be in place at Old Trafford, such is their importance to the team. Their absence was a double whammy given they both operate on the same side of the pitch, with no other player in the United squad capable of providing the same threat on the right as them. Back in training On the club website, United confirmed Amad and Mbeumo had been “welcomed back” into training at Carrington today in the first session since Carrick took the helm. “Amad and Bryan Mbeumo were welcomed back into training with Manchester United on Wednesday as Michael Carrick and his coaching team took their first session at Carrington. “The pair have been away at the Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the quarter-finals of the competition in Morocco. However, Ivory Coast and Cameroon’s exit facilitated their return to our base, to join the preparation for Saturday’s Manchester derby against City.” The session took place in “chilly conditions” but the players looked in good spirits as Carrick and his assistants put them through their paces. Carrick will host his first press-conference as United boss on Friday ahead of this weekend’s clash with City at Old Trafford. The game kicks off on Saturday at 12:30pm. Featured image Alex Pantling 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 Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.