The theater of dreams is feeling a little more like a soap opera lately. Honestly, if you’ve been glued to Manchester United live scores over the last few weeks, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s a mess, but it’s a compelling one. We’re currently sitting in January 2026, and just when you thought the dust had settled after the Ruben Amorim era, the trapdoor opened again.
Amorim is gone. Michael Carrick is back in the hot seat as head coach until the end of the season. It’s his second time playing the firefighter, and his first task? A Manchester derby against Pep Guardiola’s City this Saturday. If you’re checking the scores at 12:30 PM GMT on January 17th, you aren’t just looking for numbers. You’re looking for a sign of life.
United currently sits 7th in the Premier League. With 32 points from 21 games, the gap to the top four is only three points, but the vibe feels miles away. We’ve become a team of "almosts." Almost beat Burnley (2-2 draw). Almost held on against Brighton in the FA Cup (1-2 loss). It’s exhausting.
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The data behind the Manchester United live scores drama
Checking the live feed is one thing, but understanding why the numbers are so erratic is another. United’s form is basically a roller coaster designed by someone who hates stability. The last few matches look like a string of "D" grades on a report card: 1-1 against Leeds, 2-2 with Burnley, and that stinging exit from the cup.
Bryan Mbeumo has been the silver lining. He’s the top scorer with 6 league goals (7 in all competitions), which says a lot about the summer recruitment strategy. United dropped over £215 million on the likes of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Mbeumo. While Šeško has shown flashes of brilliance—bagging a brace in that chaotic 2-2 draw at Turf Moor—the team hasn’t clicked as a cohesive unit.
The stats tell a story of a team that can’t stop conceding. We’ve let in 32 goals in 21 games. That’s a 1.52 average per match. You can’t get into the Champions League with a leaky roof, and Old Trafford’s roof (both literally and metaphorically) is struggling. Bruno Fernandes is still the heartbeat, leading the assists with 8, but he’s been sidelined recently with an injury. It’s been tough.
Who is in and who is out for the derby?
If you’re refreshing your phone for team news before the City game, here’s the latest from Carrington. Michael Carrick has a bit of a selection headache, but there’s some good news.
- Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are back. Their countries (Ivory Coast and Cameroon) were knocked out of AFCON, and they’ve already rejoined training.
- Matthijs de Ligt is the big "maybe." He’s missed nine games with a back issue but is doing individual work.
- Harry Maguire is still a few weeks away with that hamstring problem.
- Noussair Mazraoui is still in Africa, as Morocco has made it to the AFCON final.
It’s a patchwork squad. Carrick has basically said he’s going to "go for it head on," which is exactly the kind of thing you say when you’re about to face Erling Haaland with a depleted defense.
Why the Manchester United live scores matter more than ever
It’s not just about the three points anymore. It’s about identity. Under Darren Fletcher’s very brief caretaker stint, the team looked lost. Now, with Carrick—who went unbeaten in his previous interim spell in 2021—there’s a hope that the "United way" might actually show up.
The club is in a weird spot. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers were spotted at the training ground this week. They’re trying to show a united front, but the fans are restless. The January transfer window is open, yet the word from inside the club is "don't expect much." They spent the budget in the summer. They’re waiting for the right targets in July. It’s a gamble.
If United loses to City and then fails to get a result against Arsenal on January 25th, the season could effectively be over before February. That’s why these live updates feel so heavy. Every goal conceded is a step toward another year of Europa League or worse.
Recent Results and Upcoming Hurdles
| Date | Opponent | Result | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 4, 2026 | Leeds United (A) | 1-1 | Cunha salvaged a point |
| Jan 7, 2026 | Burnley (A) | 2-2 | Šeško double wasn't enough |
| Jan 11, 2026 | Brighton (H) | 1-2 | FA Cup exit; Šeško scored late |
| Jan 17, 2026 | Man City (H) | Upcoming | Carrick's debut |
| Jan 25, 2026 | Arsenal (A) | Upcoming | High-stakes trip to the Emirates |
The draw against Burnley was particularly painful. Leading twice and then letting it slip? That’s 2025/26 United in a nutshell. We have the xG (Expected Goals) of a top-four team, roughly 37.7, but the actual execution is lagging at 36.
What to do next as a United fan
Don't just watch the scoreline; watch the shape. Under Carrick, expect a more stabilized midfield, likely leaning on Casemiro’s experience if he’s fit, despite his contract winding down in June.
Keep an eye on the official Manchester United app or reputable trackers like FotMob for real-time tactical shifts. Often, the live score doesn't tell you that a winger has tucked into a wing-back role or that Šeško is dropping deep to link play.
Next steps for following the action:
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- Monitor the 11:30 AM GMT team sheet reveal on Saturday to see if De Ligt makes the bench.
- Watch the AFCON final on Jan 25th to see when Mazraoui will actually be back in Manchester.
- Track the "distance covered" stats in the first 20 minutes of the City game; it’ll tell you if Carrick has successfully motivated this squad.
The Manchester derby isn't just a game; it's a litmus test for the rest of 2026.