The Michael Carrick era begins at Manchester United, and they are up against Manchester City today, Jan. 17, at Old Trafford. The two derby rivals clash in the Premier League, with both sides desperate for the three points on offer.
Manchester United Fans Question Michael Carrick’s Decision
Carrick was appointed the manager for the rest of the season by Man United earlier this week. The Englishman comes in after they sacked Ruben Amorim this month, and Darren Fletcher failed to impress in his two games as the interim manager.
The former Middlesbrough manager was a free agent after leaving the EFL Championship side and beat out competition from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy for the job. However, he has not been handed a long-term deal, as the club continues their hunt for the next permanent manager behind the scenes.
The first Premier League task for Carrick was naming the starting line-up for the derby against Manchester City, and it has not gone down well with the fans. He has kept faith in Senne Lammes in goal and stuck with the 3-4-3 formation used by Ruben Amorim at the club.
Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw are the defenders, with Amad Diallo and Diogo Dalot as the wing-backs. Casemiro has Kobbie Mainoo as his midfield partner, with Patrick Dorgu on the right and Bruno Fernandes in the left attacking role behind Bryan Mbeumo.
READ MORE: Paul Parker Names Two Manchester United Players Who Will Be ‘Exposed’ in Derby Against Man City
Many have already started questioning the manager’s decision to start Dorgu and Dalot in the match, with one posting: “Is Dalot going to have another disaster class?”
Is Dalot going to have another disaster class?
— 🅿️LUTO💫 (@Teboho_Mpholo) January 17, 2026
Another fan was left in tears after reading the starting XI, and added: “Dalot and dorgu…..”
Dalot and dorgu….. pic.twitter.com/zYQFzBarfA
— Abala_jnr (@abala_jnr) January 17, 2026
Dalot does not have fans supporting him ahead of kickoff, with one calling for him to be sold in the summer: “When season ends Dalot must leave it we tired of him”
When season ends Dalot must leave it we tired of him
— EMKƎM (@EMKEM_Mike) January 17, 2026
Some fans were questioning what Carrick saw in training and posted: “Dalot??? What do they see in that guy”
Dalot??? What do they see in that guy
— Melo (@meloutd_) January 17, 2026
The key issue for another fan was Carrick misprofiling Dorgu. The Danish star has done well on the left flank, but is reportedly starting on the right today, and one fan was not happy with the call. They posted, “Dorgu back at rw”
Dorgu back at rw
— Cohen (@Utd_Cjay) January 17, 2026
Man United were beaten 3-0 in the Premier League meeting at Manchester City earlier this season. The Red Devils need to score in today’s home game to avoid breaking an unwanted record: not scoring in both league games against the derby rivals for the first time since the 1973/74 season.
