Derby Day Dilemma: Carrick’s Unlikely Test Against Guardiola’s City
17 January 2026
At the heart of Manchester, a derby erupts today as United and City collide, with the wounded Red Devils led by Michael Carrick facing a fiery test in his first high-stakes mission, against a City hungry for their first 2026 win under Pep Guardiola, who shows no mercy. After three 1-1 draws in the Premier League with Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton, City arrive ready to end the stalemate.
Old Trafford hosts the clash this Saturday, as part of the Premier League's 22nd round, a magical moment that adds to a history full of drama and goals.
According to The Sun, Carrick is set to name the following starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Sien Laminez.
Defense: Luke Shaw - Lini Yuro - Lisandro Martinez - Diogo Dalot.
Midfield: Casemiro - Kobbie Mainoo - Matheus Cunha - Bruno Fernandes - Patrik Drojo.
Attack: Benjamin Sesko.
Guardiola's lineup expected to start:
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Defense: Nico O'Riyl - Nathan Aké - Josonav - Matheus Nunes.
Midfield: Rodri - Antoine Simiño - Phil Foden - Ryan Cherki - Bernardo Silva.
Attack: Erling Haaland.
Punchline 1: If football were a math problem, City would solve for X while Carrick tries to subtract his own nerves from the equation. Punchline 2: Tonight’s derby might require a secret weapon: optimism, adrenaline, and a lot of coffee—because Old Trafford never runs on tea alone.
