Manchester United legend Bryan Robson feels they've missed Michael Carrick this season.
Carrick has had only one run-out for the under-21s and is more likely to make his first-team comeback against Crystal Palace six days after the derby.
"Michael's been a big miss to United," said Robson. "When he was injured last season he was a big loss to us and again this season.
"He's an intelligent player who gets into the right areas. He's about 6ft 2ins and defensively at set plays is very good. He intercepts things very well. That's why he's important as well.
"The only thing the manager has to be careful of is, if there are a few players coming back from injury, you don't want to play too many who are a little bit rusty because it's a derby game, it's going to be a million miles an hour, loads of passion and pace, so the lads who have been playing week in week out are probably more up to speed with the game."
