Carrick tackles intense Manchester derby debut while Frank faces scrutiny
Michael Carrick gets an opportunity to create a strong start in his temporary role as Manchester United manager by disrupting Manchester Citys push for the Premier League crown on Saturday.
City could narrow the distance to league toppers Arsenal down to three points during their visit to Old Trafford, whereas United require these points to improve their prospects for Champions League qualification next year.
Down at the bottom of the standings, Tottenhams Thomas Frank and West Hams Nuno Espirito Santo are battling to secure their positions as their teams meet in a London showdown.
AFP Sport examines three key discussion points before the weekends matches:
Carrick confronts the test directly
Carrick encounters a tough initiation facing the Premiers top two sides in his opening two fixtures leading United.
"Its what we thrive on, big matches, some tougher than others yet its our purpose here. Well charge straight at it," Carrick remarked.
Prior to a challenging away game versus Arsenal the following weekend, the ex United and England midfielder can inspire a campaign threatening to spiral out of control.
A defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup last weekend came after United managed only one victory in six league outings around Ruben Amorims exit.
The Red Devils still hold a solid shot at next seasons Champions League spots, trailing fourth placed Liverpool by three points.
Carrick remained undefeated during an earlier three match caretaker period at United following Ole Gunnar Solskjaers departure in 2021.
After that, he built substantial coaching background at Championship club Middlesbrough, though he lost his job in June for not securing Premier League promotion.
"I grasp the role, its demands, and the duties involved," Carrick continued. "Right now, I sense ready to advance and, with luck, succeed here."
Positions under threat
Both Frank and Nuno have resisted rumours about their tenures to stay at the helm for Saturdays encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs secured only four triumphs in their previous 17 outings across all tournaments, dropping to 14th in the Premier League while exiting both cups domestically.
Frank teeters close to entering the ranks of coaches who couldnt succeed in north London, a group that includes Nuno, whose 2021 stint at Tottenham ended after 17 games.
The Portuguese manager, dismissed earlier this season by Nottingham Forest, has overseen two wins in 16 Premier League matches since taking over at the Hammers in September.
West Ham urgently seek an improvement in form, positioned seven points from safety in 18th spot.
Will Arsenal topple Forest?
Leading both the Premier League and Champions League, the Gunners pursue a historic quadruple following their FA and League Cup successes this week.
However, Mikel Artetas squad needs to conquer a weak away record at the City Ground against a Forest team eager to rectify their irate coaches concerns.
Arsenal triumphed in only one of their last five trips to Nottingham.
Forest exited the FA Cup to second division Wrexham via penalties last weekend, prompting a rant from Sean Dyche.
"Its intolerable to me, yet also to the clubs emblem," he commented on his teams sluggish first half that saw them recover from 2-0 behind to end 3-3.
Fixtures, all times GMT
Saturday
Manchester United v Manchester City, 1230, Sunderland v Crystal Palace, Tottenham v West Ham, Liverpool v Burnley, Leeds v Fulham, Chelsea v Brentford, all 1500, Nottingham Forest v Arsenal, 1730
Sunday
Wolves v Newcastle, 1400, Aston Villa v Everton, 1630
Monday
Brighton v Bournemouth, 2000