Man Utd confirm Amad and Bryan Mbeumo status before Michael Carrick's first test vs Man City - The Mirror

Michael Carrick led his first training session on Wednesday and Manchester United released an update on Amad and Bryan Mbeumo's prospects ahead of Manchester City

Amad and Bryan Mbeumo trained on Wednesday as part of Michael Carrick's inaugural training session as Manchester United's new boss. The club has shared snaps of the duo's first outing back after their stint at the Africa Cup of Nations, as the team gears up for this weekend's showdown with Manchester City.

Both players have been absent since the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth in December, and they now return to a fresh face at the helm. Carrick has taken over as head coach until season's end following Ruben Amorim's dismissal in early January.

Since the start of AFCON, United have only managed a single victory. Mazraoui is still in the tournament and could play for the host nation against Nigeria in the semi-finals.

Despite Ivory Coast's quarter-final exit at the hands of Egypt, Amad had a strong individual performance at the tournament. Mbeumo was unable to as the team gears up for help Cameroon avoid defeat to Egypt at the same stage.

Both players were eliminated over the weekend and returned just in time for Carrick's first session on Wednesday. The ex-United midfielder, along with his assistant Steve Holland, supervised the training session, with Amad and Mbeumo teaming up at Carrington.

Former Sunderland loanee Amad might be particularly chuffed to work under Carrick, having previously expressed admiration for him. The forward was honoured to inherit his shirt number at United.

"When I was told that I was getting the No. 16 shirt, I was happy because I know that Michael Carrick had previously worn that shirt for a long time and so it is a number worn by a legend of the club," Amad revealed previously.

"So I have to respect the number and the players who wore it before me."

Training also featured several promising youngsters. Shea Lacey took part despite facing a suspension for the City match following his red card against Brighton. Jack and Tyler Fletcher were also in attendance.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Habeeb Ogunneye joined the squad after his loan spell at League Two side Newport County was cut short earlier this week.

Before stepping onto the training pitch for the first time as manager, Carrick spoke of his pride at returning to Old Trafford. "Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour," he stated.

"I know what it takes to succeed here, my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.

"I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.

"There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves."

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