Manchester United have been handed a timely boost ahead of their derby against rivals City after Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo returned to training.
The attacking duo have returned to Carrington after Cameroon and Ivory Coast were knocked out of the AFCON quarter-finals against hosts Morocco and Egypt, respectively.
They participated in training on Wednesday and could be named straight back into the starting XI for Michael Carrick’s first game in charge.
Carrick makes his return to the dugout against Pep Guardiola’s men following his interim appointment, and AI have provided its best bets for Manchester United vs Manchester City based on statistics.
Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo return to Manchester United
On Wednesday, Manchester United confirmed their two key players have participated in training and look fit to play in the early kick-off.
Diallo’s availability in particular could be key if United are to pick up a result against their arch rivals.
He scored a memorable winner in last season’s victory at the Etihad Stadium and was in terrific form for the Ivory Coast during AFCON.
Diallo scored three times and assisted one across his five matches, winning two Man of the Match awards while playing as a right winger.
Carrick’s appointment could give Diallo a new lease of life as he’s likely to enjoy a more advanced role compared to Ruben Amorim.
Diallo had been the victim of the manager’s 3-5-2 formation, having predominantly played his football at right wing-back.
That means he had to sacrifice his attacking talent at times to make defensive contributions.
Against Cameroon, he created the most chances (4), had a 95% passing accuracy, had four touches in the opposition box and produced three out of four successful crosses.
Michael Carrick Comments On Kobbie Mainoo Resurface
Another player who could hugely benefit from Carrick’s appointment is midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
The England international was linked with a move to Napoli, having failed to convince Amorim he was part of his plans.
That transfer appears to be put on hold with the Italian side accepting that the change in manager may impact his short-term future.
Mainoo is now expected to play a greater role in the senior side, especially after quotes resurfaced from Carrick in the past.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand, he said: “For a club to have a player who’s come through the academy and knows the club and feels it, United’s got to have an element of that.
“Always has done, always should. To have the talent that he’s shown already – you’ve got to have players like that, that you can say, ‘Right, they get it. They know it. Let’s help them, build them and stick with them.’ There’s definitely a place for him there, for sure.”
