Manchester United are set to immediately reintegrate Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo into their starting line-up for this weekend's crucial derby clash with Manchester City at Old Trafford. The pair have returned to Carrington after their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns ended at the quarter-final stage.
AFCON exertions and United's fitness plan
The winger and wing-back left Manchester in mid-December to represent Ivory Coast and Cameroon respectively. Their nations were eliminated last weekend, with Ivory Coast losing to Morocco and Cameroon defeated by Egypt. Amad featured for 353 minutes, scoring three goals, while Mbeumo racked up 405 minutes across five matches.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of a major tournament exit, United have a detailed plan to ensure both players are ready for Saturday's 3pm kick-off. Performance experts state the club will have worked closely with the national teams throughout the tournament to monitor workloads.
Stephen Smith, CEO of performance analytics firm Kitman Labs, explained the process to Metro: "The best clubs are the ones interacting with the national sides beforehand, giving them a picture of how they are normally training and playing... Everything needed to manage their welfare and recovery together."
Carrick's immediate selection dilemma
The return of the influential duo is a major boost for interim manager Michael Carrick, who takes charge for the first time following Ruben Amorim's sacking. Amad and Mbeumo had forged a potent partnership on United's right flank before Christmas, with Amad operating as a wing-back and Mbeumo ahead of him.
Their availability presents Carrick with a significant tactical decision. United played six matches in their absence, one more than Cameroon and Ivory Coast managed in the tournament. This could mean the returning pair' fitness levels are surprisingly aligned with teammates who have endured a relentless domestic schedule.
Smith added: "There will be a lot of pressure to get these players back into the team straight away, particularly if you are fighting for Europe... If the work they have been doing has been relatively consistent with what they would have been doing if they hadn’t been away, you would be less concerned."
Broader context for a pivotal derby
The match is critical for United's hopes of securing a Champions League spot. They currently sit just one point outside the top five. Carrick is expected to abandon Amorim's unpopular 3-4-3 formation in favour of a 4-2-3-1 system, which could see Bruno Fernandes return to a more advanced role.
Other key issues for Carrick include revitalising striker Benjamin Sesko's form and reintegrating midfielder Kobbie Mainoo into the first-team setup. The derby represents a formidable first test, but the timely return of two key attacking weapons provides a much-needed lift for the new interim regime.
