Michael Carrick is set to receive another quick boost to his tenure at Manchester United, with Noussair Mazraoui expected to return to Old Trafford in time to face Arsenal. Mazraoui’s Africa Cup of Nations journey will conclude tonight as host nation Morocco face off against Senegal.Carrick’s reign got off to a flying start this weekend with a commanding 2-0 victory in the Manchester derby. Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secured three points for United on Saturday, creating a celebratory atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams as they clinched their first win since defeating Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Carrick didn’t hesitate to reintegrate the duo and could do the same as he gears up to take on league leaders Arsenal. While Mazraoui will undoubtedly be given some time off in the coming week, with United not playing until Sunday, the defender will have a decent period to recover before returning.
Former Bayern Munich defender Mazraoui’s last appearance for United was at centre-back, but he has been deployed as a full-back throughout AFCON. The 28-year-old has started every match of Morocco’s campaign and has been utilised on both flanks.
Former Middlesbrough manager Carrick has plenty on his plate ahead of the showdown with Arsenal. His introduction to Premier League management couldn’t have been more challenging.
The 44-year-old is keen to harness the aggression his team displayed against Manchester City for the remainder of the season, though he acknowledges it won’t be an easy task.
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