Perfect timing: Carrick gets huge Man United boost ahead of Man City clash

Manchester United have received a major double boost ahead of the crucial Manchester Derby this weekend.

The Red Devils have officially confirmed that Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo have returned to team training after their spell at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Mbeumo’s Cameroon bowed out in the quarter-finals with a 2–0 defeat to Morocco, while Diallo’s Cote d’Ivoire suffered a dramatic 3–2 loss to Egypt at the same stage.

Both players were integral to United’s attacking setup under former head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese head coach was sacked last week after his explosive post-match comments about the club hierarchy.

Much has changed at Old Trafford since Diallo and Mbeumo departed for AFCON, and both will now be desperate to help drag United’s stuttering season back on course.

Noussair Mazraoui remains unavailable, with Morocco set to face Nigeria in a high-stakes semi-final later today.

Shea Lacey will also miss the derby after picking up two yellow cards in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, triggering a suspension.

Academy prospects Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher and Habeeb Ogunneye were all involved in first-team training under new caretaker head coach Michael Carrick.

With Mbeumo and Diallo returning, Carrick could now have a much stronger bench compared to what Darren Fletcher had over the last two games.

Luke Shaw was a notable absentee from the matchday squad against the Seagulls, raising fresh questions about his fitness.

Matthijs de Ligt also missed that clash, continuing his battle with a persistent back issue.

Carrick is expected to shed more light on the availability of both players during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .