Michael Carrick’s first Manchester derby as interim manager ended in victory and bought him valuable time. Eight months later, the stakes are considerably higher.
After guiding United to a third-place Premier League finish last season, Carrick was handed the permanent job in May. Expectations have since risen sharply, making Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City an important test of whether his rebuilding project is continuing to move in the right direction.
United have made an indifferent start to the new Premier League campaign. Carrick’s side have recorded just one victory from their opening three matches, beating Ipswich Town. A disappointing defeat at Hull City and a draw at Everton have slowed the optimism generated by last season’s strong finish.
A 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah on Thursday provided a timely boost, but Manchester derby expectations will be very different when Pep Guardiola’s former side arrive on Sunday.
Carrick insists United cannot simply repeat the approach that worked when they defeated City in January.
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“We’re not assuming we won last year, so we can do the same things and everything will be the same,” Carrick told reporters.
He acknowledged that the circumstances are different this time. When he first took charge, the players, coaching staff and supporters were still discovering what the new era might bring.
Carrick believes the confidence developed over several months can now give United an advantage.
The former United midfielder oversaw 12 Premier League victories in 17 games last season, suffering only two defeats. That run created significant optimism that the club could build on its revival after a difficult period.
Despite the inconsistent opening to the new campaign and concerns over United’s defensive stability, Carrick remains committed to a long-term rebuilding strategy.
He said the club had been planning for the future from the beginning, regardless of how long he would ultimately remain in charge.
City will also arrive with a new face leading the team into the derby. Enzo Maresca will take charge of his first Manchester derby as City manager as he attempts to maintain a perfect start to the post-Guardiola era.
Maresca, who has experienced several major derbies during his career, described such matches as special occasions for players, supporters and coaching staff.
The Italian also recalled his involvement in intense rivalries in Greece, Italy, Spain and England, saying he enjoys the atmosphere surrounding such matches.
For Maresca, however, the priority is ensuring his players remain focused despite the occasion.
City have received a boost with Nico O’Reilly available again after missing the victory over Coventry City and the midweek Champions League win against Porto.
United, meanwhile, expect forward Marcus Rashford to return. He was left on the bench during Thursday’s victory over Sabah as a precaution, with Carrick saying the decision was designed to keep him fresh for the weekend.
Sunday’s derby will therefore provide an early indication of whether Carrick’s United can turn last season’s momentum into sustained progress — or whether their inconsistent start points to deeper problems still waiting to be solved.
