Manchester United have reportedly received a major boost ahead of today’s highly anticipated Manchester derby, with Amad Diallo said to have returned to the squad after his recent injury setback.
However, despite his return, the talented winger is not expected to be handed a starting place against Manchester City, with manager Michael Carrick understood to be taking a cautious approach with the Ivory Coast international.
The decision comes at a crucial moment for Manchester United, who are preparing to face their biggest rivals at Old Trafford in what promises to be one of the most important fixtures of the early Premier League campaign.
The Manchester derby will take place at Old Trafford today, September 13, with City arriving in excellent league form while United are looking to build momentum following their impressive midweek Champions League victory.
Amad’s Return Comes at an Important Time
Amad’s availability would represent a significant boost for Carrick.
The 24-year-old has been one of Manchester United’s most exciting attacking players and possesses the technical ability to change a game from the wing.
His pace, close control, creativity and ability to operate between the lines make him a difficult player for opposition defenders to contain.
United have missed those qualities during his absence.
Amad suffered a training injury shortly before the beginning of the Premier League season, with Carrick initially describing the problem as a “niggle” and saying that the club hoped he would return soon.
His absence has forced Carrick to consider alternative attacking combinations.
Now, with the derby approaching, the possibility of Amad returning to the matchday squad would give United another attacking option.
Carrick Wants to Protect Amad
If Amad is indeed declared fit enough to be involved, Carrick’s decision not to start him would make sense from a fitness-management perspective.
A player returning from an injury does not necessarily need to be thrown straight into a high-intensity Manchester derby.
The fixture is likely to demand maximum physical effort from every player.
For a winger such as Amad, the demands could be particularly intense because United may need their wide players to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Starting him immediately could therefore carry an unnecessary risk.
Carrick could instead keep Amad on the bench and introduce him later in the match if circumstances allow.
That strategy would give the player an opportunity to regain competitive rhythm without exposing him to unnecessary minutes.
Manchester United Need Amad’s Creativity
One of the biggest reasons supporters will be excited about Amad’s potential return is his creativity.
United have several attacking players capable of making an impact, but Amad offers a slightly different profile.
He can receive the ball in tight spaces, take defenders on and create opportunities for teammates.
He can also drift into central areas, allowing United to create numerical advantages around the opposition midfield.
Against Manchester City, those qualities could become extremely important.
City are expected to dominate possession for significant periods of the match, meaning United may have to be extremely efficient when opportunities arrive.
A player like Amad could become particularly valuable during transitions.
If United win possession and break quickly, his ability to carry the ball could allow them to turn defensive situations into attacking opportunities within seconds.
Why Carrick May Prefer Other Players From the Start
Even if Amad is available, Carrick has several alternatives for the starting lineup.
United have attacking options including Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu, Marcus Rashford and Matheus Cunha.
Benjamin Sesko has also recently returned to form after his injury absence.
Carrick has praised Sesko’s physical qualities and ability to threaten the space behind defensive lines, while the striker has scored in each of his last two appearances.
That gives Carrick plenty of attacking options.
The United manager therefore does not necessarily need to rush Amad back into the starting XI.
Instead, he can use the players who have been fully fit and match-ready throughout the week.
Amad Could Become a Second-Half Weapon
One of the most interesting possibilities would be Amad being introduced during the second half.
Manchester City could potentially become more vulnerable as the match progresses, particularly if United are able to force them into defending deeper.
Fresh legs could then make Amad extremely dangerous.
Imagine City defenders dealing with United’s starting attackers for more than an hour before suddenly facing Amad’s pace and dribbling ability.
That could be exactly the type of situation Carrick has in mind.
Rather than asking Amad to carry the responsibility of starting one of the most demanding fixtures of the season, the manager could allow him to attack tired defenders later in the game.
The Importance of the Manchester Derby
Today’s fixture carries enormous importance for both clubs.
Manchester City have started the Premier League season perfectly under Enzo Maresca, while United have taken four points from their opening three league matches.
That contrast means the pressure will be particularly high on United.
A victory over City would immediately change the mood around Old Trafford.
It would also provide Carrick with another opportunity to demonstrate that his team can compete with the strongest sides in the league.
The manager enjoyed an impressive spell last season and helped United secure Champions League qualification.
But the new campaign has presented fresh challenges.
The derby therefore represents a major test.
United’s Midweek Victory Provides Confidence
United head into the derby after producing one of their best performances of the season.
They defeated Sabah 4-0 in the Champions League, giving the squad an important confidence boost before the meeting with City.
The victory was particularly important because United had previously struggled for consistency in the Premier League.
Carrick will now hope that the attacking confidence demonstrated during the European fixture can be transferred into today’s derby.
Having Amad potentially available would only add to that confidence.
Amad’s Statistics Show His Importance
Amad was an important contributor for United last season.
He recorded two goals and four assists in 32 Premier League appearances during the 2025-26 campaign and also scored twice for Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup.
Those numbers do not fully demonstrate his importance to the team.
Amad’s influence also comes through his ability to carry the ball, combine with teammates and create space.
His versatility gives Carrick tactical flexibility.
He can operate from the right wing, move centrally or contribute as an attacking midfielder depending on the situation.
That versatility could be particularly useful against City.
A Different Manchester United Attack
With Amad back around the first-team group, United could eventually have one of their strongest attacking units available.
Mbeumo provides pace and directness.
Rashford offers experience and explosive running.
Cunha brings creativity and movement.
Fernandes remains the team’s primary creator from midfield.
Sesko provides a powerful central presence.
And Amad offers another unpredictable attacking option.
For Carrick, managing all of these players will be one of the biggest tactical challenges of the season.
City Will Be Ready for United’s Threat
Manchester City will not be underestimating United.
Maresca’s side have won their opening three Premier League matches and will arrive at Old Trafford determined to maintain that perfect start.
City also possess plenty of attacking quality of their own.
Erling Haaland remains the focal point of their attack and has already demonstrated his ability to decide major matches.
United’s defenders will therefore have to remain disciplined throughout the game.
The midfield battle will also be crucial.
If City control possession for long periods, United could find themselves defending deep.
That could make counter-attacking players such as Amad extremely important if and when he is introduced.
Supporters Will Be Watching Amad Closely
Even if Amad does not start, supporters will undoubtedly pay close attention to the substitutes’ bench.
His potential appearance would represent an encouraging step in his recovery.
United fans have been waiting to see the winger back on the pitch, particularly because he has become an increasingly important part of the club’s attacking plans.
A strong cameo could potentially put him in contention for a starting position in United’s next fixture.
Carrick Must Think Beyond One Match
The decision not to start Amad would also demonstrate that Carrick is thinking about the entire season rather than just today’s fixture.
Manchester United are competing in multiple competitions this season.
With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford, the squad will be required to deal with a demanding schedule.
Carrick cannot afford to lose important players by rushing them back from injury.
Managing Amad carefully could therefore prove beneficial over the long term.
The Big Question: When Will Amad Return to the Starting XI?
If Amad is involved today but starts on the bench, the next question will naturally be when he can return to the starting lineup.
Much could depend on how his body responds to competitive action.
If he comes on and completes a positive cameo without experiencing any problems, Carrick could gradually increase his minutes.
A full start could then follow in one of United’s upcoming fixtures.
That would allow Amad to rebuild his fitness step by step.
Final Thoughts
The possibility of Amad Diallo returning to Manchester United’s matchday squad ahead of today’s derby would be a welcome development for Carrick.
However, given the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, reports claiming that he is definitely back and available to play should be treated cautiously. Recent team-news reports have continued to list him among United’s injury concerns.
If he is ultimately cleared to participate, keeping him on the bench rather than immediately starting him against Manchester City could be a sensible approach.
The Manchester derby is one of the most physically demanding fixtures in English football, and Carrick will want Amad fully ready rather than risk another setback.
For United supporters, however, simply seeing the talented winger back around the first-team squad would be encouraging.
And if the match reaches its final stages with City struggling to contain United’s attack, Amad could potentially become one of Carrick’s most important weapons.
The derby awaits, and all eyes will be on Carrick’s team selection, his tactical decisions and, potentially, the moment Amad Diallo makes his long-awaited return.