Official Man Utd lineup vs Man City: Carrick opts for shocking attacking trio

COVENTRY, ENGLAND – MAY 14: Michael Carrick, Manager of Middlesbrough, looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg match between Coventry City and Middlesbrough at The Coventry Building Society Arena on May 14, 2023 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images) Manchester United have released their starting lineup for the big showdown against Manchester City, and it includes an attacking trio that no one had envisioned.The contest will take place at Old Trafford, and it kicks off at 12:30 UK time.  As usual, the two clubs have unveiled their official lineups 75 minutes ahead of kickoff. Introducing your derby day Reds ❤️‍🔥 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2026Needless to say, Michael Carrick didn’t have too much time to prepare for his baptism of fire, as he was only appointed as interim head coach on Tuesday evening. He and his technical collaborators arrived at Carrington’s training the following morning.Nevertheless, the 44-year-old was still willing to make bold decisions while selecting his first starting lineup.How Man Utd Will line up on Carrick’s debutAs usual, Man Utd will start with Senne Lammens in goal, while Harry Maguire will make his first appearance as a starter since returning from injury. Carrick has thus decided to entrust his experienced countryman at the expense of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.On the other hand, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw kept their spots at the back, as expected.In the middle of the park, Kobbie Mainoo has been given the nod, much to the fans’ delight. He will start in the double pivot alongside Casemiro, while club captain Bruno Fernandes returned to his original role as an attacking midfielder, having already interpreted this role during Darren Fletcher’s two-match tenure.(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)Carrick raised eyebrows by selecting three left-footed players in attack, including Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, who have only just returned from the African Cup of Nations. The duo will be joined by the versatile Patrick Dorgu. On the other hand, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have been surprisingly dropped.The Cameroonian is expected to lead the line, acting as a false 9, with the Ivorian operating on the right wing, and the young Dane taking the opposite flank.On the opposite side, Erling Haaland will lead the line for Man City, backed by their Jeremy Doku and new club signing, Antoine Semenyo. However, Pep Guardiola has fielded a makeshift backline due to the many absences. Así sale el equipo ante Manchester United 🚨 pic.twitter.com/APtiUxrAXQ — Manchester City (@ManCityES) January 17, 2026Official Man Utd & Man City lineupsMan Utd XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Amad, Bruno, Dorgu; Mbeumo.Man City XI (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake; Rodri, Silva; Semenyo, Foden, Doku, Haaland