Michael Carrick’s interim reign at Manchester United kicks off with the visit of fierce rivals Manchester City as the former midfielder looks to spark a change in fortunes at Old Trafford.
Carrick took the reins from caretaker boss and ex-teammate Darren Fletcher on Tuesday after the Scotsman failed to deliver a win in his two games in charge, with United looking to get their push for Champions League qualification back on track after the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
The hosts will climb into the top four, at least temporarily, with victory in the Manchester derby but may face a tough challenge against a motivated Man City, who are keen to reignite their title charge.
A run of three consecutive draws has allowed Arsenal to pull away from Pep Guardiola’s side, but after the Gunners were held by Liverpool on Monday, City have a chance to close the gap to three points and ramp up the pressure ahead of the league leaders’ trip to Nottingham Forest later in the day.
Follow all the latest updates from Manchester United vs Manchester City in our live blog below:
Read MoreHow Pep Guardiola defined Michael Carrick’s career and Man United still feel the impact
Man United boss Michael Carrick reacts to Roy Keane’s criticism of his wife
Man United vs Man City live
- Man United begin life under Michael Carrick with the visit of rivals Man City | Live on Sky Sports
- 41' DISALLOWED! Fernandes is offside as he beats the goalkeeper as well (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 36' SAVE! Lammens palms away Alleyne's header (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 33' DISALLOWED! Amad weaves around the goalkeeper and scores but he's offside (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 23' SAVE! Donnarumma denies Dorgu from close (MUN 0-0 MCI)
- 3' CROSSBAR! Maguire's header rattles the woodwork (MUN 0-0 MCI)
HT Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:29 , Mike JonesIs Haaland injured?
There’s a slight worry for Pep Guardiola as Erling Haaland limps off the pitch later than everyone else at half-time.
He was checked by Luke Shaw right on the whistle and had been rubbing his right leg.
It just looks like impact pain but we’ll see if he comes back out for the second half.
HT Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:25 , Mike JonesMan City had 72% possession in that half and managed four shots.
Man Utd had four shots as well but two of those were on target compared to just the one for City.
Interestingly the xG for both teams is quite similar.
0.38 for United and 0.32 for City.
HT Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:21 , Mike JonesMan Utd had all of the best chances in the first half but weren’t able to get themselves in front.
Still, it’s been a promising 45 minutes for Michael Carrick’s men.
Half-time! Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:17 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick will be the happier of the two managers but the game remains goalless.
Pep Guardiola hasn’t had the kind of control his team usually does.
Plenty to think about during the break.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:15 , Mike Jones45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play before the end of the first half.
Carrick's gameplan on display
13:14 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordThe two United disallowed goals show part of Carrick's gameplan - balls over the top to spring the City offside trap.
“Fernandes was at least closer to being onside than Amad.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:12 , Mike Jones41 mins: Disallowed!
Lisandro Martinez dinks a pass over the top s Bruno Fernandes makes a run in behind Nathan Ake.
Like Amad before him, the United captain takes the ball past Donnarumma and slots it home only for the offside flag to go up.
City’s high line is working for them!
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:10 , Mike Jones39 mins: Antoine Semenyo has scored twice in his first two appearances for Man City.
He almost does so again as Luke Shaw is too slow to close him down.
On the front edge of the box, Semenyo receives the ball and then curls a fine effort just wide of the far corner!
United's threat comes from direct running
13:08 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordUnited's threat has tended to come from the direct running and speed of Patrick Dorgu and Amad Diallo on either flank.
“It is notable, however, that while they are defending in a 4-4-2 shape it is often with Bruno Fernandes on the right of the midfield four while Amad stays further forward.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:07 , Mike Jones36 mins: Save!
Senne Lammens gives away a soft corner and is almost punished for it.
Foden swings it over to Doku who nods the ball back across goal.
Max Alleyne is there to head it a goal but Lammens redeems himself by leaping to the left to keep it out!
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:04 , Mike Jones33 mins: Disallowed!
Man Utd are causing massive problems for City’s back line.
Mbeumo spins the ball out to Fernandes on the right channel and the captain laces it forward to Diallo bombing past the defence.
Diallo carries the ball around Donnarumma and rolls it into the back of the net but the offside flag goes up immediately.
VAR checks it and it’s clearly the correct decision.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
13:00 , Mike Jones30 mins: There’s a couple of slight delays for VAR checks.
One against a foul from Mainoo and one for a potential handball from Khusanov in the City box. Neither incidents cause concern.
Amad Diallo collects a fizzing pass from Casemiro on the right wing.
He drives into the box but a back-tracking Doku takes the ball off him.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:57 , Mike Jones27 mins: City turn the ball over in midfield and drive forward through Phil Foden.
He slips it to Doku who runs into trouble on the edge of the box and loses possession.
United are sitting back and counter-attacking
12:55 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordApart from that Dorgu shot a couple of minutes back, City have had more possession in the last 10 minutes or so, quite a bit of it in the United half.
“It does feel like, in such games, United will resort to sitting back and then counter-attacking at pace - which is how they got most of their best results under both Ruben Amorim and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:54 , Mike Jones24 mins: The best chances of the match have come to Man Utd.
Bernardo Silva had a moment in which he headed a Semenyo cross over the bar but the hosts have been quick and direct when in possession.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:53 , Mike Jones23 mins: Save!
United continue to push forward and this time a cross is floated in from the right wing.
The ball drops on the far side of the box and is met by Patrick Dorgu who takes a quick shot.
He’s close to goal and finds the target but Donnarumma sticks out a hand and palms the effort away!
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:51 , Mike Jones21 mins: Man City have settled after a shaky start but United are doing their best to maintain pressure, especially in the centre of the pitch.
Mainoo slices a pass out to the right wing for Dalot to drive forward. He’s got Amad on his right but misdirects his pass and sends the ball out of play.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:47 , Mike Jones18 mins: United win themselves a throw in on the left wing.
Dalot trots over to launch the ball into the box but Rodri is on hand to head the ball away.
Mainoo then recovers the ball in the middle of the pitch. He slips it forward to Dorgu who tussles with Khusanov before going down on the edge of the box.
City work the ball up to Rodri who is clattered by a lunging Luke Shaw.
Shaw goes in the book too.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:45 , Mike Jones15 mins: Luke Shaw puts in some nice defensive work as Erling Haaland carries the ball along the front edge of the box.
Haaland slips it into the area and tries to find Foden but Shaw nicks it first and clears.
Old Trafford is loud
12:42 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordOld Trafford is loud, which is certainly not always the case, and United have made a rousing start.
“City's inexperienced centre-backs have had a couple of tough moments.
“It does feel, too, that it is easier to play this high-tempo football with a back four.”
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:42 , Mike Jones12 mins: Jeremy Doku wins City a first corner of the game but then gives it straight back to United with a poor delivery.
Doku then takes on Diogo Dalot on the left wing and takes some studs on his knee. He shifts the ball too quickly for the defender who escapes a red card but goes in the book with a yellow.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:39 , Mike Jones9 mins: Nice work from Donnarumma.
Bruno Fernandes attempts to flick the ball behind the City defence and play Mbeumo into the box.
The striker goes sprinting towards the ball but the City goalkeeper is quickly off his line to smother it first.
It’s been a bright start from Man Utd.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:37 , Mike Jones6 mins: Man City look nervous at the back as Max Alleyne is put under pressure by a pressing Bryan Mbeumo.
He manages to offload the ball to Gianluigi Dunnarumma and City aren’t punished.
Instead they work it down the right wing with Antoine Semenyo getting his first run at the back line on his Premier League debut for the club.
He dribbles to the edge of the box but caught pick out a pass.
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:33 , Mike Jones3 mins: Abdukodir Khusanov makes a stretching deflection as a cross comes into the City box from the left.
He turns it behind for a corner which Bruno Fernandes whips to the back post.
Harry Maguire is there!
He gets a full head to the ball and pings it onto the crossbar!
A back four for Carrick's United
12:32 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordIt is Carrick's United playing with a back four, as Darren Fletcher's did.
“Though, looking at this team, it was tempting to wonder if it could have been 3-4-3 with Dorgu and Dalot as wing-backs.”
Kick off! Man Utd 0-0 Man City
12:31 , Mike JonesCity get the ball rolling at Old Trafford.
They work it around the back line and try to entice Man Utd forward but they hosts look stable in the midfield and hold their shape.
Man Utd vs Man City
12:26 , Mike JonesThe players stride out onto the pitch to a loud cheer from the watching fans.
Manchester City are the favourites to win this match but there is a feeling that Manchester United can perhaps spring a surprise today.
Kick off is up next...
Unbeaten Carrick
12:20 , Mike JonesThis will be Michael Carrick’s second stint as manager at Manchester United, following his three-game spell in November/December 2021 (won two, drew one).
As a player, Carrick only recorded more wins in the Premier League against Sunderland (16) than he did Manchester City.
Derby day delight
12:15 , Mike JonesOnly against Brighton (8) has Man City’s Phil Foden scored more Premier League goals than he has against Man Utd (7), though just one of his seven strikes against the Red Devils has come at Old Trafford.
City's big threat
12:10 , Mike JonesErling Haaland has been involved in more Premier League goals against Man Utd than any other Man City player (11 – 8 goals, 3 assists).
Guardiola's pre-match thoughts
12:08 , Mike JonesThe Manchester City manager said: "They have an incredible history, Man Utd, so it's always a difficult place to come, but at the same time, we have incredible energy to play well. The past is the past.
“No. They can play with four, defend with five at the back.
"I would love to know exactly what they will try to do - we have to focus on ourselves."
Can Manchester United get over the line?
12:05 , Mike JonesOnly Bournemouth (16), West Ham United (15) and Chelsea (15) have dropped more points from winning positions in the Premier League this season than Manchester United (14).
Manchester City have dropped four points in their last two games, just one fewer than in their first 19 matches of 2025-26 (5).
Carrick on Mainoo
12:03 , Mike JonesThe United head coach was also asked about picking Kobbie Mainoo in the starting XI.
He replied: "I think Kobbie is a fantastic player, he has huge talent, he has huge ability. He has played in some unbelievable big occasions and coped with it.
“He has played for the national team in huge games, as well. I am looking forward to seeing him thrive."
The unthinkable Man City consequence and five vital questions surrounding Premier League case
12:00 , Miguel DelaneyThe Manchester City case could yet go on for at least a year, and potentially much more, according to sources with knowledge of the process. The Independent has also been told the independent panel of three judges have not yet made a decision, as the club themselves revealed with the publication of their annual accounts in December.
Nobody outside that has any idea of when the judges will actually make a ruling - and it is understood they have also been working on other cases. The initial judgement will likely only be on liability, with a “100 per cent expectation” from those close to the situation that City would strongly appeal any outcome they find unfavourable. City insist on their innocence.
The unthinkable consequence and five vital questions over Man City case
Pre-match thoughts from Michael Carrick
11:57 , Mike JonesThe new United boss spoke about returning to the dugout today.
He tld Sky Sports: "Special feeling. You [Gary Neville] know what these kinds of moments mean being involved with the club for so long.
"There is a big role to do and a responsibility and an important one, and I feel that as well. I am ready for that. I am looking forward to it. The boys are ready.
"I am here, and the staff are here to help them, support them and to push them. That was the message. We are all in it together.
"You either thrive and buzz off it. It is so extreme. The extreme when you get it right is incredible, so that is why we're here."
Is a draw the most likely result?
11:55 , Mike JonesManchester City have drawn each of their last three Premier League games, last having a longer run of consecutive draws in October/November 2009 (7).
This will be the first meeting between two sides both on a run of 3+ consecutive Premier League draws since February 2001, with Spurs beating Man City 1-0 in that.
Can Man Utd get over the line?
11:50 , Mike JonesManchester United have drawn each of their last three Premier League games, last having a longer run of consecutive draws in September/October 1992 (5).
Senne Lammens on preparing under Michael Carrick
11:49 , Mike JonesManchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens spoke about this week’s training under Michael Carrick.
He said: "It has been good. It wasn't, of course, the biggest preparation for the game. We have had three days to prepare for the game.
"It is not always the easiest to change some things at such a short notice, but I think the most important part was to make things easier for us, especially tactically and being on the same page.
"Our manager today did that. It is also going to be important to do it on the pitch today – I'm looking forward to it."
A poor run of form
11:45 , Mike JonesManchester United have failed to score in four of their last five Premier League home games against Manchester City, including the last two in a row.
They’ve not gone 3+ home league games without a goal against City since a run of four between December 1911 and September 1914.
Carrick gives Mainoo first league start of the season
11:43 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordA passing midfielder picks a passing midfielder. Michael Carrick marks his first game back in charge of Manchester United by giving Kobbie Mainoo his first Premier League start of the season.
“It could be that Patrick Dorgu is on the left wing and Bryan Mbeumo playing as a striker.
“Benjamin Sesko, fresh from three goals in two games under Darren Fletcher, drops to the bench.
“City are without Matheus Nunes, presumably injured, so the Mancunian Rico Lewis gets a start.”
City thrive at Old Trafford
11:40 , Mike JonesMan City have won more Premier League away games against Man Utd than any other visiting side (9).
Only Liverpool (41) have scored more goals at Old Trafford than Pep Guardiola’s men (37).
Bernardo expecting tough game
11:40 , Mike JonesManchester City captain Bernardo Silva told Sky Sports: "It is definitely a nice place to come, but it is a tough game. It is a derby, we know what it means to both sides, and it is a massive game for us here today.
"We had three draws in the Premier League, so that makes the game even more important for us. We need some of those points back. I would say we are quite stable at the moment even with a few injuries. We have been playing well and we have been consistent.
"We don't know how they're going to play, but the reality is we focus on ourselves. We know that if we play at our level it is also difficult to stop us."
Can Man City shutout Manchester United?
11:35 , Mike JonesManchester United lost the reverse fixture against Man City 3-0 in September.
They last failed to score in both league meetings City in 1973-74, a campaign that saw them relegated from the top-flight.
The Michael Carrick effect that could rediscover the ‘magic’ of Man United
11:30 , Mike JonesThe statement was delivered in Michael Carrick’s more low-key tones but the words could have come from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The other leading candidate to be Manchester United’s head coach until the end of the season is the more openly sentimental. Solskjaer’s belief in the mystical powers of United seemed to survive every setback. He retained a childlike excitement about the club.
Carrick is a quieter character, less inclined to gush. But the latest man to take charge at Old Trafford said: “I've played different roles for this club and learnt to fall in love with the club for so long. It's a massive part of my life and has been for so long.”
The Michael Carrick effect that could rediscover the ‘magic’ of Man United
City lean on attacking quality
11:27 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has selected a suspect back four with Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Max Alleyne and Nathan Ake making up the defence.
Things are more promising going forward however.
Rodri anchors the midfield in one of three changes from the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The front five are all the same though as Antoine Semenyo makes a Premier League debut for the club with Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland all providing threats.
Gianluigi Donnarumma returns as goalkeeper and Lewis is preferred at right-back to Matheus Nunes.
Michael Carrick makes surprising changes
11:23 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick’s first team selection for Manchester United will create some headlines.
The first is that Kobbie Mainoo starts in midfield alongside Casemiro as a holding midfielder.
In defence, Harry Maguire is selected to partner Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw returns at left-back.
Elswhere, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are immediately returned to the line-up after their Afcon exploits.
The big omissions are Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.
Man City starting line-up for derby
11:18 , Mike JonesMan City XI: Donnarumma; Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake; Rodri, Bernardo; Semenyo, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Your City side for the derby! 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 17, 2026
XI | Donnarumma, Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Semenyo, Foden, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Trafford, Bettinelli, Reijnders, Cherki, Ait-Nouri, O'Reilly, McAidoo, Mukasa, Mfuni
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/lNoC8nZc3N
Manchester United team to face Manchester City
11:17 , Mike JonesMan Utd XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo
Introducing your derby day Reds ❤️🔥
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2026
Almost time for team news
11:12 , Mike JonesThe official line-ups for today’s derby will be dropping in just a few minutes.
How will Michael Carrick set up the Manchester United team for his return to Old Trafford?
Will Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both start due to their previous successes against their rivals?
We’re about to find out.
As things stand
11:06 , Mike JonesManchester United come into the match sitting seventh in the league table and three points behind Liverpool in fourth.
The Red Devils will actually enter the top four should they beat Man City today though they may not remain there for long given the rest of the fixtures this weekend.
For City, they are second and six points behind leaders Arsenal. In order to put pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side, Pep Guardiola’s men must collect three points and force the Gunners to respond when they face Nottingham Forest this evening.
How Pep Guardiola defined Michael Carrick’s career and Man United still feel the impact
11:00 , Richard JollyBut for Pep Guardiola, Michael Carrick might have been a triple Champions League winner. A Manchester derby is a meeting of deep-lying midfielders of different generations.
Carrick was more Spanish-style schemer than a traditionally English box-to-box bustler. He attracted an admirer in the man who will be in the opposite dugout on Saturday. In 2017, Guardiola called Carrick “one of the best holding midfielders I've ever seen in my life”.
How Guardiola defined Carrick’s career and Man United still feel the impact
Man Utd fans arrive at Old Trafford
10:54 , Mike JonesThere are plenty of Manchester United fans arriving early at Old Trafford today.
There seems to be a renewed sense of belief in the supporters who will back Michael Carrick to turn around their team’s fortunes.
Whether that remains after the 90 minutes on the pitch is another matter.
Man Utd vs Man City prediction
10:48 , Mike JonesHow will today’s match play out?
It’s easy to say that Manchester City will win, I do think that’ll be the end result.
But, Michael Carrick’s previous tenure as United boss saw him win two and draw one of his three matches so he is unbeaten thus far.
I think it’ll be a closer affair than many realise and the additions of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo give United extra, and needed, firepower.
Couple that with a weakened City defence and should the hosts score first it could be a close contest that goes down to the wire.
Man Utd 1-2 Man City.
Carrick trying to rediscover Man Utd formula
10:42 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick has taken on the responsibility of finding a way for Man Utd to be successful and win games.
Of today’s team selection, and that of the squad going forward, he said: “Nothing different to any other team in terms of putting players on the pitch that we think will fit in a good balance and depending what game, who we're playing against, what it looks like, where's our strength.
“That's it, that's on me and my coaches and the staff to put that together. I'm flexible at times, as I said, we've been in here three days, so it's a big game. Playing against a tough team, obviously a very good team, playing well.
“So, there's challenges within that. But yeah, it's obviously up to me and my staff to find that formula.”
Pep believes midfielders make the best coaches
10:36 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola was also full of praise for his opposite manager today.
The Spaniard revealed that Michael Carrick’s role as a holding midfielder makes him an ideal candidate to become a successful manager and Guardiola believes the players with the best view of how matches play out have better insights when it comes to management.
“I would say maybe central defenders and holding midfielders, because of their position, have a better global vision than playing as a winger for example,” he revealed.
“I’m not saying that a winger cannot read perfectly the game but it’s different. All I can say is Michael [Carrick] as a player was extraordinary.”
Man United boss Michael Carrick reacts to Roy Keane’s criticism of his wife
10:30 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick has shrugged off Roy Keane’s criticism of his wife and said the words of the former Manchester United players-turned-pundits won’t bother him.
The new United head coach faces Manchester City in his first game in charge on Saturday to a background of noise from some of his former teammates.
Man United boss Michael Carrick reacts to Roy Keane’s criticism of his wife
Guardiola on handling Carrick's United
10:24 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola would have liked a bit more time to study how Manchester United will play under Michael Carrick and says his team must adapt to how the new boss sets up their opponents today.
“When you have more info of what the opposition manager does, you can give more info to the players,” the City boss said.
“When you don’t have any info, you can’t give any info to the players so you focus on yourself.
“Maybe with the line-up [announced] tomorrow we will have an idea, you can see what he did at Middlesbrough or the first part at Man United, but tactics are about the players and who they have will be different to Middlesbrough. So what they are going to do I don’t know.”
'I thought we're in trouble'
10:18 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola says his first instinct when realising that Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol were both injured was that the team ‘was in trouble’.
However, Max Alleyne has stepped into the hole left by the two defenders and has performed admirably limiting the damage losing the centre-backs has made.
“What I thought? We’re in trouble, that was my first thought,” Guardiola said of losing his defenders.
“But that’s why we had the option to recover loan players. I knew Max from training for two years with us.
“He still has a big margin to improve but in general comparing not sessions because we don’t have them but from video, how quick he got the things is really, really good.”
Man Utd to get 'fresh start' under Carrick
10:12 , Mike JonesThe new United boss says that he hopes to bring a ‘fresh start’ for the players and has belief in their ability to perform in the Premier League.
“It's a fresh start, and I've got a lot of belief in the group, individually, and collectively,” said Michael Carrick ahead of today’s game.
“I've got a lot of belief in that, and as I've just said, confidence and a feeling, and things can go in a different direction very quickly, and I've got a lot of belief in the boys.
“I think it’s so half-full, half-empty, it’s what players can't do or the team can't do, we actually forget what they can do, what they're good at and believe in that and work on their strengths and feed off that energy to make you better.
“There's a lot of players and a lot of teams in the world that can't do things, but that doesn't stop them being successful. So, we need to find that ingredient, and I fully believe we can do that.”
Carrick 'realistic' about Man Utd role
10:06 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick is not thinking about taking on the Manchester United head coach role on a long term basis and says he is realistic about the goals the club want from him.
“I think we're realistic as well, and where we are at the moment, why I'm here and the role I've got to do,” Carrick explained.
“That doesn't change how we go about it in the day-to-day and the focus and making decisions for the long-term kind of strategy of the group and the playing squad and whatever that kind of adds on extra and the layers after that.
“I think I'm certainly not coming in thinking it's a time where week-to-week, game-to-game, we've got to get through it and we've got to tick each one off. I think we're on a plan to improve and improve beyond this season, and however that looks at this moment, all I can control is what we give the players and how we kind of create the atmosphere around the group.
“So that's the main focus and then we'll see what happens after that.”
How Manchester United’s behind-the-scenes reset heaps the spotlight onto their next permanent manager
10:00 , Miguel DelaneyAs Manchester United properly begin the process of appointing a new head coach, one consideration now stands above many others: how a manager looks and feels the moment he “walks in the door”.
It may sound simplistic, but as they found with Ruben Amorim, it remains hugely significant. The club’s leadership – and especially Sir Jim Ratcliffe – believed the Portuguese coach had the personality to carry the weight of such a club. Over time, however, sources say they came to feel he lacked the necessary “emotional maturity”. He simply was not ready.
How United’s reset heaps the spotlight onto their next permanent manager
Guardiola 'surprised' by makeshift defence
09:54 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola says he was ‘surprised’ by how well Manchester City’s makeshift defence, including Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov as a centre-back pairing, have worked together.
“It’s surprised even me how connected they are and how they help each other. It’s been tough games,” said Guardiola.
“Brighton was a debut for Max and then of course Exeter was a little bit different for the result and then Newcastle away. They were brilliant.
“At the beginning of the season, if you tell me at this important part of the season that this would be the back four I’d say ‘are you sure?’
“But the season is never flat or on the same path, you have to handle it. Nico’s already played many times there; Nathan can play there.
“I’m happy Rayan Ait-Nouri is back, he has incredible special quality not just in the final third but in the build up to help us a lot.
“Khusanov, when he has played this season, he was injured against Arsenal and was out many times, he’s important for us. He’s behaved really well.”
Guardiola issues update on missing defensive trio
09:48 , Mike JonesManchester City are missing John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol through injury and Pep Guardiola gave an update on their recoveries.
"Ruben will be back soon," said Pep Guardiola. "Josko, no. John, hopefully [back soon], we will see."
Not great news for City fans but with Marc Guehi joining the club soon they will at least have an experienced centre-back back in the squad.
De Ligt still absent confirms Carrick
09:42 , Mike Jones"We've had a good week really," said Michael Carrick when issuing an update ahead of today’s derby.
"Matthijs de Ligt has been carrying a bit of an issue but, hopefully, we'll get him back in some time soon. It's been a little bit slower than what they thought previously.
"All in all, the boys are in good shape. I just feel the energy, whether it's fresh or not! Obviously, I'm delighted to be here. I want to work a certain way, I want to enjoy what we do and work hard to get success. The boys have put the work in this week and we feel we're ready."
Gary Neville explains why Michael Carrick cannot be Man United’s next permanent manager
09:36 , Mike JonesManchester United’s interim head coach Michael Carrick should not be considered for the permanent role beyond the current season, according to pundit Gary Neville.
Speaking on Stick to Football, he stated: "I hope he does really well. There cannot be any consideration that Michael takes the job beyond this season, for Michael and for the club.
"If he wins every game, look, we could be sat here in the season where he’s done unbelievably well, and we’re always thinking the fans are up and they’re in the Champions League places, fifth or whatever.
“It could happen if there’s a good run and we could all be getting swayed with it," he said. "I honestly feel like (you have to look at others) at the end of the season when you’ve got (Mauricio) Pochettino, (Thomas) Tuchel and (Carlo) Ancelotti."
Marc Guehi to join Man City over Liverpool with Crystal Palace exit in ‘final stages’
09:30 , Miguel Delaney & Richard JollyManchester City are closing in on the signing of England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
A deal has not been agreed but City are likely to finalise a £20m agreement for the centre-back, who has been withdrawn from the Palace squad to face Sunderland on Saturday.
Guehi is set to become City’s second January signing, after the £62.5m arrival of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, and will help alleviate Pep Guardiola’s defensive injury crisis, with Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones all sidelined.
Marc Guehi to join Man City over Liverpool with Crystal Palace exit in ‘final stages’
Man City early team news
09:24 , Mike JonesManchester City are close to a deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi but this game will come too soon for the England international. Defensive trio John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias are all unavailable, still.
Predicted Manchester City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, O’Reilly; Rodri; Silva, Cherki, Foden, Semenyo; Haaland.
Man Utd early team news
09:18 , Mike JonesAmad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo have both returned to Manchester United after their exertions at the Africa Cup of Nations (afcon), and will be considered for Michael Carrick’s first game in charge.
Noussair Mazraoui’s Morocco have reached the Afcon final, and Matthijs de Ligt remains absent. Shea Lacey is suspended following his sending off in the FA Cup.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Lammens; Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Fernandes, Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha.
How can I watch it?
09:12 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channels from 11am GMT.
A live stream will be available via Sky Go or NOW.
When is Manchester United vs Manchester City?
09:06 , Mike JonesThe Manchester derby is due to kick off at 12.30pm GMT on Saturday 17 January at Old Trafford.
Man Utd vs Man City
09:00 , Mike JonesManchester United begin life under interim manager Michael Carrick with a meeting with rivals Manchester City in a pivotal Premier League fixture.
Carrick has been installed until the end of the season after the sacking of Ruben Amorim, with the former midfielder looking to instil fresh momentum into a campaign with Manchester United pushing for European places.
The hosts will climb into the top four, at least temporarily, with victory in the Manchester derby but may face a tough challenge against a motivated Manchester City.
Three consecutive draws have rather stalled the title charge from Pep Guardiola’s side but a midweek win at Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final represented something of a return to form.
Good morning!
08:45 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Premier League action.
The highlight of the day is, of course, the Manchester derby as the both clubs clash at Old Trafford surrounded by a swirl of off-pitch matters.
United are led once again by Michael Carrick who is taking charge of his first match since replacing Ruben Amorim as head coach while City are closing in on a deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and build-up for this one with the match getting underway at 12.30pm.
