Michael Carrick thinks latest meeting of rivals will bring Old Trafford to life

Michael Carrick expects Old Trafford to come “alive” for the visit of Manchester United’s rivals Leeds.

Carrick only played in the fixture once in a 2011 League Cup clash, his long stint in the Red Devils midfield coinciding with the Yorkshire club’s lengthy exile from the top flight.

But the head coach knows just how much it means and is ready for the home fans to prove it on Monday evening.

“I think that’s what rivalries are there for,” he said.

“The intensity and the emotion and the passion that goes into it, obviously it’s got to keep within the margins, but I think that’s part of the game we love.

“Hopefully it cranks it up, you know, and the stadium is alive. I’m sure it will be. It’s been unbelievable playing at home and the boys have responded and thrived off it.

“I’m certainly aware of it. The players are aware of it. The extra that it means on top of the standard three points. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to it. It’s a big night for us.”

Carrick’s assistant coach Jonathan Woodgate made his name at Elland Road as a player but has kept a low profile when it comes to intensifying the history between the teams.

Asked about the former England defender’s input from the Leeds perspective, Carrick said: “Not loads, actually. He’s working his normal (way), so there’s absolutely no issue with that.

“I think we’re all aware of what the game means to the football club, to the supporters. Sometimes it’s what you’d call a normal game, sometimes it’s a little bit of a twist to it, and this is certainly one of them.”

Midfielder Mason Mount returned to action as a late substitute in United’s draw against Bournemouth before the international break and Carrick welcomes the addition of another quality option.

Mount’s previous appearance was also off the bench in the 44-year-old’s first match in charge almost three months ago – a memorable 2-0 derby win over Manchester City.

“First of all, it’s great to have Mason back,” he said.

“He’s obviously had nearly two or three weeks of building up and finding his rhythm, finding his sharpness. I think his versatility is a big strength of his. He can play through the middle, he can play midfield, he can play wide and he can do so many different roles. He’s certainly a team player, but he’s a player that I really like.”

With Harry Maguire suspended and Matthijs de Ligt injured, United must decide whether to rush Lisandro Martinez back into action or trust 19-year-old Ayden Heaven to partner Leny Yoro in defence.