Manchester United confirmed the status of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo ahead of Michael Carrick’s first match in charge against Manchester City on Saturday
Amad and Bryan Mbeumo returned to Manchester United(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Amad and Bryan Mbeumo were both present for Michael Carrick’s first training session in charge of Manchester United as preparations got underway for this weekend’s clash with Manchester City. The club have released images from the pair’s first session back after competing at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Neither has featured since the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth in December, and they now return to a new boss. Carrick has been appointed as head coach until the end of the season after Ruben Amorim was sacked at the beginning of January.
United have recorded just one win since AFCON started, and Amad, Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui departed for Morocco. Mazraoui remains in the competition and could feature for the home nation against Nigeria in the semi-finals.
Amad, meanwhile, had a successful tournament on an individual basis but saw Ivory Coast eliminated from the competition by Egypt in the quarter-finals. Mbeumo could not prevent Cameroon from falling short at the same stage against Egypt.
Both players were knocked out over the weekend and made their return in time to work in Carrick’s first session on Wednesday. The former United midfielder and his assistant, Steve Holland, oversaw training with Amad and Mbeumo working together at Carrington.
Head Coach Michael Carrick leads training(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Ex-Sunderland loanee Amad may be particularly pleased to work under Carrick, having spoken highly of his status in the past. The attacker was honoured to take on 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 said previously.
“So I have to respect the number and the players who wore it before me.”
Carrick’s first session also included a number of young stars. Shea Lacey was involved despite being suspended for the visit of City after being sent off against Brighton. Jack and Tyler Fletcher were also present.
Bryan Mbeumo in action during a first team training session(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Habeeb Ogunneye, 20, participated too after being recalled from his loan spell at League Two outfit Newport County this week.
Ahead of taking charge of the players for the first time, Carrick described returning to Old Trafford as an honour. “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,” he said.
“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.”