Michael Carrick takes charge of his first game in his second spell as Manchester United's interim head coach, as he has been tasked with a home Manchester derby to contend with. Pep Guardiola brings his Manchester City side to Old Trafford looking to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.
The timing of Carrick's appointment has been heavily criticised, leaving the former Middlesbrough manager little time to implement his ideas ahead of the visit of the Blue side of Manchester. Carrick was in charge of the Red Devils during his first spell in 2021, during which he oversaw only three games. However, the former United midfielder was unbeaten during his managerial spell at Old Trafford with a 1-1 draw against Chelsea and two wins against Villarreal (2-0) and Arsenal (3-2). The Red Devils have been faltering in their league form, with three wins in their previous 10 matches, and the home side is now winless in their last four games in all competitions, after the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Manchester City are in tremendous form, with no defeats in their last 13 matches after their victory away at St.James' Park. The away side are also on a magnificent run of league form with no defeats since the 2-1 loss away at Newcastle United back in November, having won six of their last nine league games, drawing the remaining three. For Pep Guardiola, his side will be looking to achieve another league double over the Red Devils, as the Citizens have not lost twice in the league to their arch rivals since the 2019/20 season.