Enzo Maresca responds to Michael Carrick’s Manchester derby concern

Enzo Maresca expects Manchester United to be ready for Sunday’s derby despite Michael Carrick admitting their short turnaround is “not ideal”.

United played in the Champions League on Thursday night, beating Sabah 4-0 at Old Trafford, while City were in European action two days earlier at Porto. That gives Maresca’s side extra recovery time before the two teams meet on Sunday afternoon.

Carrick played down its significance but acknowledged the scheduling was far from perfect. Maresca does not expect it to have much bearing on the derby.

Maresca expects United to be ready

“To be honest, the club mentioned to me that it happened exactly the same last year when the club played Napoli and then after two days played Arsenal,” he said.

“Sometimes it happens in football. I don’t have any doubt that Man United are going to be ready for that.” Maresca believes dealing with difficult schedules simply comes with playing regularly in Europe.

“I think that happens and you need to adapt,” he added. “It happened last year with us, this season with them, next season it will happen with a different team.”

United have therefore had one fewer full recovery day before the derby, although Carrick himself said his side had not given the situation too much thought. City head to Old Trafford looking to maintain their perfect Premier League start under Maresca, with three wins from three so far.

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