The timing couldn’t be better for Manchester United. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the club confirmed that Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo have officially returned to Carrington and are available for the Manchester Derby this Saturday, January 17.
Their return provides a massive boost to interim manager Michael Carrick, who will be taking charge of his first Premier League game since the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this month.
The "AFCON 2025" Campaign: How They Fared
Both players were key figures for their respective nations in Morocco but suffered heartbreak at the quarter-final stage over the weekend.
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast): The winger was a standout performer for the defending champions, notably inspiring a 3–0 win over Burkina Faso in the Round of 16. However, his tournament ended in a thrilling 3–2 defeat to Egypt on January 10.
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon): Mbeumo started every game for the Indomitable Lions but was unable to find the net as Cameroon were shut out in a 2–0 loss to host nation Morocco in the quarter-finals.
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The return of these two attackers is critical for Carrick, who inherited a side that managed just one win during the AFCON period.
Directness: Mbeumo’s pace on the break is seen as the primary weapon to exploit Manchester City’s high line.
Creativity: With Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha currently serving suspensions, Amad’s technical ability in tight spaces will be essential for United to progress the ball.
Training Status: Both players participated in Carrick's first full training session on Wednesday and are reported to be in "excellent physical condition."
Michael Carrick on the returns: "Having Bryan and Amad back is a huge lift. They’ve played a lot of football recently, but their energy and quality are exactly what we need for a game of this magnitude. They are both in contention to start."
The Verdict: Manchester United have looked blunt in attack without their right-sided specialists. While the loss of Mazraoui (still at AFCON with Morocco) is a blow to the defense, having Mbeumo and Amad back allows Carrick to field a far more balanced and threatening frontline as he seeks to end City's unbeaten run.