Michael Carrick’s second stint as Manchester United’s interim manager began in spectacular fashion on Saturday as the Red Devils outplayed, outfought, and outmanoeuvred Manchester City in a 2-0 derby victory. The result immediately lifted the gloom over Old Trafford, providing a vintage performance that dented City’s title hopes and propelled United into the Premier League’s top four.
After a first half in which Harry Maguire headed against the bar and United saw two goals chalked off, the deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute. It was a classic United breakaway: after a City free-kick came to nothing, Bruno Fernandes galloped into the visitors' half and slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Bryan Mbeumo. Returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty, the forward unleashed a low, left-footed strike into the far corner, sending the Stretford End into raptures.
The victory was sealed in the 76th minute when substitute Matheus Cunha whipped in a cross from the right. Patrick Dorgu reacted quickest, nipping in front of a flat-footed Rico Lewis to pinball the ball home off the post.
Michael Carrick, who was only appointed earlier this week following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, seemed to restore the club's "attacking intent" instantly. In a move that delighted fans, Kobbie Mainoo was restored to the starting lineup alongside Casemiro, and the duo dominated the midfield battle against Rodri and Bernardo Silva.
While United were fortunate to avoid a red card in the 10th minute; when Diogo Dalot caught Jeremy Doku high on the knee, they were the superior side in every other facet. City was held to just one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes, and Erling Haaland was notably substituted 10 minutes from time, extending his barren run to zero goals from open play in his last seven matches.
For Manchester City, this defeat marks their fourth Premier League game without a win in 2026. They remain six points behind leaders Arsenal, who have a game in hand, potentially widening the gap to nine points by the end of the weekend.
In contrast, United’s rise to fourth place brings a shift in momentum. With Sir Alex Ferguson smiling in the stands and the fans singing Carrick’s name long after the final whistle, the interim boss has 16 games left to convince the hierarchy that he is the permanent solution for the future.
"Today was special. Putting things together quickly and trying to put an imprint on the team. Gathering together and emotionally getting attached to what we want to do. I felt that was unbelievable from the staff and the players. I am not getting carried away. It is one result, but it needs to be a regular feeling with that level of performance." said Carrick.
“The better team won,” admitted Pep Guardiola. “They had an energy we didn’t have. We weren’t at the level required to win this game. In many departments, we weren’t there.”
