Michael Carrick’s reign as interim manager at Old Trafford began in the best possible fashion as Manchester United stunned rivals Manchester City with a 2–0 victory in the Premier League derby.
It was a performance built on resilience, discipline and devastating counter-attacks, giving United fans renewed belief in a season that had threatened to drift.
Carrick, stepping in after Ruben Amorim’s departure, made bold changes to the starting XI, recalling Harry Maguire from injury and reinstating academy product Kobbie Mainoo.
Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo also returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty, adding energy and pace to United’s attack. The reshuffle paid off, as United’s compact defensive block frustrated City’s youthful backline and created opportunities on the break.
United had the better of the early chances, with Maguire rattling the crossbar and Patrick Dorgu forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into a sharp save. Bruno Fernandes twice had the ball in the net, only to be denied by the offside flag.
Despite enjoying just 27.7% possession in the first half, United looked the more dangerous side, while City struggled to turn their dominance of the ball into clear chances.
The breakthrough came just after the hour mark. Fernandes surged forward through midfield and released Mbeumo, who finished clinically across Donnarumma to put United ahead. It was Mbeumo’s fifth fast-break goal since the start of last season, underlining his reputation as one of the league’s most lethal counter-attacking forwards.
City’s talisman Erling Haaland endured a miserable afternoon, touching the ball only 14 times before being substituted late on. His barren run without a non-penalty goal stretched to seven matches, his longest drought since arriving in Europe’s top five leagues.
United sealed the win when substitute Matheus Cunha burst down the right and delivered a low cross that Dorgu converted, punishing City’s hesitant defence. It was Dorgu’s second goal involvement in as many games, continuing his impressive run of form.
Although Mason Mount had a third goal ruled out for offside, the result was never in doubt. United’s defensive organisation, combined with their sharpness on the counter, left City chasing shadows and Pep Guardiola visibly frustrated.
