Man Utd 'launch investigation' after Michael Carrick's line-ups leaked

Manchester United are searching for a mole inside the club after problem under Ruben Amorim reared its head again in Michael Carrick's first match in charge

Manchester United have launched an internal investigation to try and find out how Michael Carrick's starting XI for the clash with Man City was revealed online before kick-off. The Red Devils have had long-standing issues with information leaking out of the club and have launched several internal probes before.

Carrick would pick up three points in his first game in interim charge, with Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo finding the back of the net at Old Trafford. Team leaks are not a new problem for United and have been ongoing for almost 10 years.

Jose Mourinho, who also suffered with the problem, publicly acknowledged it by making a quip in a press conference before the 2018 FA Cup final. Carrick has not commented on the issue, which reared its head again last weekend, but Ruben Amorim's tenure was also plagued by leaks and led to frustration.

Now, The Sun claims the club has launched an investigation in an effort to find the mole after the starting XI accurately appeared online hours before last week's derby victory.

Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Amad and Mbeumo all returned to the starting XI, while Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha dropped to the bench. It was a move that paid off, with Carrick utilising Dorgu on the left-hand side of the attack.

United dominated the game and moved close to the top four, following Liverpool's draw with Burnley at the weekend.

This is not the first time the club have looked into the source of the leaks. The Red Devils reportedly launched an inquiry in December into how Amorim's intentions to change his system came out on the day of a fixture against Bournemouth.

The Mail reported at the time that United were determined to identify who was offering up inside information to stop such occurrences from repeating themselves in future. A club spokesperson declined to comment.

United were also reported to have been 'furious' in September following suggestions that Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes is 'unhappy'.

The club's team line-up was also revealed well ahead of the Manchester derby in December 2024.

"I know that story," Amorim said at the time. "I don't know, I think it's impossible to fix nowadays because you have a lot of people in the club, the players talk with agents.

"I don't know, you can talk with friends, so it's hard to know. It's not a good thing, but let's move on and go to the next one and see if they find the next starting XI."

Countless other stories surfaced last season, including those regarding squad issues and team news, with United's senior management taking steps to identify the source of the leaks within the camp.

Previous managerial tenures at M16, under Erik ten Hag, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Mourinho, were similarly impacted by leaks. While it clearly presents a major problem at United, Carrick's focus will now be on preparing his side for the Premier League clash with Arsenal.

Speaking about the upcoming challenge, United's interim boss said: "I am looking forward to the game. It's a big challenge. They are a very good team. It is pretty obvious to say that, they have so many strong points to their game. It is a big challenge.

"They are where they are for a reason in the Champions League, we are fully aware of that and not taking that lightly at all. We feel we are in a good place and we go there looking forward to the game.

"It is where we want to be; we want to be positive with that energy and enthusiasm, but we know it is not going to be easy.

"We have got our ideas on what needs to be done and how we need to get there. Credit to Arsenal, they are in a really strong place for building a squad and recruitment.

"Mikel takes credit for that, he has done a fantastic job. We have our own ideas on what we need to do and what it is going to take get there and that is what we are working towards."