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Michael Carrick has been dropped straight into a Manchester Derby, with Manchester City visiting Old Trafford on Saturday looking to spoil the party.

Carrick has not been afforded much time to implement his ideas since being appointed as interim head coach until the end of the season. But Manchester United fans will be hoping the fabled new manager bounce can kickstart their season against their rivals.

City are on a 13-game unbeaten run and know they need a win after three successive league draws helped Arsenal open up a six-point gap at the top of the Premier League table. They have bolstered their ranks with the £65million signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, but are suffering with some defensive injuries.

With Bryan Mbeumo and Amad back from the Africa Cup of Nations, can Carrick bring the feed-good factor back to Old Trafford? Or will City simple prove too strong on derby day? Mirror Football writers give their predictions.

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Pep Guardiola is on a roll and will surely spoil Michael Carrick’s big day. It is set up for a huge occasion and an opportunity for Manchester United’s latest manager. But it is hard to see United boss Carrick and his merry band stopping Manchester City when they get on a roll.

It will definitely be a huge test for City’s resolve because United’s move to appoint their former player will give Old Trafford one hell of a lift and genuine hope of a place in next season’s Champions League places. There will be a buzz about United’s first line-up because it feels as if Carrick may be able to take the shackles off and be more attacking and entertaining than under Ruben Amorim.

But City boss Guardiola needs the wins and, after dropping points lately and defensive frailties, they looked to be back in an ominous groove at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup in midweek. City need to get going in this title race - and I think they will.

Prediction: Man Utd 1-2 Man City

It will take a fair old new-manager bounce for United to get one over on Pep Guardiola’s side but this will be no procession for City. United will not only get a lift from the personable Michael Carrick, they will get a surge of adrenaline from the returning Amad and Bryan Mbeumo.

Despite a clean sheet at Newcastle in midweek, this City team is vulnerable to the counter attack and Carrick’s squad has plenty of attacking threat, if not clinical firepower. Amad might not start but Carrick will surely let Mbeumo loose and United can get at City in wide attacking areas.

There will be goals in this contest for the home team - it will just be the age-old question of whether they can stop the visitors scoring more. And against a City team that is unbeaten in 13 matches, that will be a big ask. The likes of Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki look in prime form, to the extent where Phil Foden is not a guaranteed starter at Old Trafford. Considering his excellence in the first half of the season, that is frightening.

It will not be cagey, it will not be pedestrian. For the neutral, it should be a great watch. And not for the first time this season, United could play their part in an entertaining, high-scoring draw.

Prediction: Man Utd 3-3 Man City

HAVE YOUR SAY! Which side will come out on top in the Manchester Derby? Comment below.

There's naturally a new energy around United with Carrick in the building, but I can't see it being enough to get any joy out of the derby this weekend. The Red Devils' two results under Darren Fletcher highlight just how much work needs to be done.

And that isn't being pulled off across three days at Carrington. It will take time. Carrick may have a slight advantage in knowing Guardiola and City may struggle to assess what his team may or may not do given this is his first outing.

But those from the blue half remain in title contention and underlined their quality with a win at Newcastle during the week. They know they can ill-afford anymore draws if they're to catch Arsenal and Antoine Semenyo seems to have given them a new energy. I can't see anything other than a City win.

Prediction: Man Utd 0-2 Man City

Call it new-manager bounce or sheer determination not to lose the derby - and seriously damage City’s title challenge - but Michael Carrick’s side can get a point at Old Trafford. Manchester United have had a woeful few seasons and last few weeks. But their record against Pep Guardiola’s team has been better, including the FA Cup final win and two draws last season.

Expect more tactical flexibility from Carrick and another fresh start from his players. Benjamin Sesko has finally found his scoring boots and City’s depleted defence does concede goals. It is time the front trident with Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha fires together.

Stopping Erling Haaland at the other end is the big challenge but the Norwegian has only scored one in six. He does have five goals and three assists in three matches against Man Utd. It is will be fast and furious and a good result for Arsenal

Prediction: Man Utd 1-1 Man City

The romantics in red will believe Manchester United can produce a shock win. Michael Carrick will be taking charge of his first game, is a popular figure in the dressing room, while United will have home backing behind them.

And United have pulled off some unexpected derby wins before. But the realists will know there is more chance of Manchester City emerging triumphant.

The bottom line is that United have been dreadful in recent weeks, while City, despite having some injuries to contend with, have the better players in all departments. Most notably in attack, where United are missing Bryan Mbeumo and relying on the unpredictable Benjamin Sesko for goals, while City have a certain Erling Haaland leading the line. Haaland will be desperate to take down his neighbours.

Prediction: Man Utd 0-2 Man City

I expect there will be a new manager bounce off the pitch at least with the atmosphere at Old Trafford stepping up a notch for the visit of City.

Michael Carrick is a bona-fide United legend and will have the immediate backing of the Stretford End. But the fact remains United aren't very good and City are. Even with a couple of injury issues I expect them to have too much for United. Antoine Semenyo has had an immediate impact and I fancy him to have a big say here too.

Erling Haaland has been quiet by his standards in the last few weeks but this is exactly the kind of game that gets his juices pumping. United to come out of the blocks quickly, maybe even take the lead. But City's quality to shine through in the end.

Prediction: Man Utd 1-3 Man City

After beating him in the race to become the latest holder of the poisoned chalice, Carrick will need to take a leaf out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s book. Incredibly, the Norwegian had a winning Premier League record vs Guardiola as United boss, beating him three times, drawing once and losing twice in their six meetings.

United will be hoping for the similar sort of bounce they enjoyed under Solskjaer, unfortunately for Carrick the team still has huge limitations. The return of Mbeumo and Amad will help, but as Darren Fletcher showed, vibes and talk of the ‘United Way’ isn’t enough for this group of players.

And with Semenyo in their ranks, City feel like they could go on a real roll now. I fancy them to keep United at arms’ length in a comfortable away win.

Prediction: Man Utd 0-2 Man City

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