Manchester United are preparing for a significant double setback ahead of the crucial Premier League clash with rivals Manchester City on Saturday, 17 January.
AFCON Absences Threaten Derby Plans
The club's squad is being stretched by the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, with key player Amad central to their concerns. The Ivorian winger is set to feature for his country against Egypt on Saturday evening.
Should Ivory Coast triumph, they would advance to a semi-final against Senegal on 14 January – just three days before the Manchester derby. This tight turnaround puts Amad's availability for the Etihad Stadium showdown in serious doubt.
United have already felt the 23-year-old's absence acutely, having drawn their last three matches without his creativity. In a further twist, City could be boosted by the return of Omar Marmoush if Egypt are eliminated, handing Pep Guardiola's side a potential boost.
Injury Returns Offer Fletcher a Glimmer of Hope
There is some positive news for interim manager Darren Fletcher as he navigates a depleted squad. Bryan Mbeumo is returning after Cameroon's exit from the tournament and should be available for selection against City.
Furthermore, captain Bruno Fernandes is back in training after injury, while centre-back Harry Maguire could make his first appearance since early November. Maguire was on the bench for the midweek draw with Burnley.
"He's been out for a while so we will be looking at his load and things like that," Fletcher stated in his pre-match press conference. "A decision has not been made [on his minutes] but... there has to be some understanding that their first minutes may have to be careful."
Mainoo's Mindset Amid Speculation
Fletcher also addressed the situation of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has seen limited action this campaign. "He seems in a good place," Fletcher said. "Kobbie doesn't give you much so you wouldn't know if he was in a good place or not. He's like that, it's just his natural way."
The interim boss confirmed he has held conversations with the player and believes he is "comfortable" within the current environment at Carrington.
United's immediate focus is Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton at Old Trafford, where the threadbare squad will be tested further. All eyes, however, are firmly on the following weekend's seismic derby, where the absence of Amad could prove pivotal.
