Manchester United are preparing for a huge game in the Premier League and Michael Carrick is also focused on the club's long-term future04:30, 11 Sep 2026Manchester United are facing an important weekend in the Premier League but have also begun planning for the future. Michael Carrick’s side are preparing to take on rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.‌The Red Devils are looking to return to winning ways in the league following their dramatic draw with Everton last weekend. The United boss has many options at his disposal, but could also look to the club’s academy to bolster his matchday squad.‌Carrick has kept a close eye on the academy sides since returning to United at the start of the year. JJ Gabriel was among the youngsters to feature for the first team during pre-season, and a rule change during the manager's reign is set to benefit the academy hopefuls looking to make the step up.‌Meanwhile, the Premier League have granted United’s request regarding their upcoming schedule. Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the biggest stories surrounding the team.Michael Carrick makes rule changeUnited’s academy starlets have received a boost to their dreams of reaching the first team, with the club’s U21 side replicating Carrick’s system. Under the new approach, U21 coach Adam Lawrence has changed from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 formation.‌The policy being introduced during Carrick's tenure will grant all academy hopefuls a smoother step up to the first team as players will be familiar with the demands of their role. The Daily Mail reports that the team have also copied Carrick’s deployment of a false nine, mirroring the manager’s use of Matheus Cunha.It is hinted that Chido Obi being loaned out and academy forward Louie Bradbury leaving for Stoke City could signal a long-term move away from orthodox strikers. Meanwhile, the formation switch will allow 15-year-old prodigy Gabriel to learn Bruno Fernandes’ position as he establishes himself in the U21 side.‌FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook pagePremier League request grantedThe Premier League have responded to requests from United and other clubs by agreeing to announce their festive schedule. The Red Devils pushed for the league and broadcasters to make an earlier decision on which games would be televised in December to allow supporters more time to plan.The Daily Mail reports that United met with senior Premier League and broadcast officials to request that the information be published more than a month earlier than last year. The announcement that the club would host Newcastle on Boxing Day in 2025 was made on October 31.Article continues belowIt is added that the Football Supporters Association were involved in talks over bringing the announcement forward to help fans plan their journeys. All fixtures were originally listed as 3pm kick-offs on Saturday, December 26 but were subject to change.It has been confirmed that United will host Nottingham Forest on Sunday, December 27, with a 4.30pm kick-off. The team will also play Sunderland under the floodlights at Old Trafford in a 7.30pm game on Wednesday, December 30.Join our MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.