Manchester United has named Michael Carrick as interim manager until the season’s end, with his first game in the upcoming Manchester derby. His appointment comes as the team regains two key players who returned after their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns ended.
Manchester United Celebrates the Return of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo
Man United used social media to confirm that forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are back after their Africa Cup exits. The team felt their absence since mid-December, when Amorim was in charge during a 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
Since Mbeumo and Diallo were absent after being called up for the Cameroon and Ivory Coast national teams, respectively, the Red Devils have won only one of their six matches, underlining the importance of their contribution to the squad. Official photos suggest both are fit and ready for the high-stakes Manchester City match.
Back with the Reds 🔙🔴 pic.twitter.com/ujUDLgt6fs
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 14, 2026
Their return is timely, as Cameroon and the Ivory Coast have been eliminated from the 2025 AFCON. Cameroon fell 2-0 to Morocco (featuring Noussair Mazraoui), and the Ivory Coast lost 3-1 to Egypt (with Mohamed Salah starring), both in the quarter-finals.
Now, with their AFCON campaigns behind them, the duo rejoins Man United. They return motivated, following Amorim’s departure and the conclusion of Darren Fletcher’s interim spell after two winless games, giving the former England player a promising attacking pair for the derby.
United Duo Had Different Performances at AFCON
Diallo performed well in the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals in five games and earning high praise for his performances in the group stage, demonstrating his ability to impact games. Mbeumo, on the other hand, provided one assist in his debut but struggled to make a significant impact, highlighting a contrast in form between the two upon their return to United.
This may cause extra concern for United’s coaching staff, who are hoping Mbeumo, who has been influential since joining from Brentford with seven goals in 17 games, can quickly return to his earlier form before the derby. His technical improvement since Amorim’s tenure has been notable, making his performance critical for the attack.
Meanwhile, Diallo has contributed two goals and two assists in the Premier League this season. However, with a likely tactical shift at United, he may need time to readjust to the team’s evolving structure. Following extensive criticism of the former coach’s standard formation, Carrick is unlikely to use the three-man defense system.
