Manchester United delivered an impressive performance, unexpectedly defeating Premier League title contenders Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford during Michael Carrick’s debut as interim head coach.
Carrick, who was appointed just on Tuesday, saw his team outplay Pep Guardiola’s squad. United’s triumph came from goals by Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu, despite three other goals being disallowed for offside.
compared to, City managed only one shot on target, dealing another significant blow to their title aspirations. This defeat marks a four-game winless streak for City, allowing Arsenal a chance to extend their lead at the top.
This outcome will enhance United’s prospects of securing a UEFA Champions League qualification, with an upcoming match against Arsenal at the Emirates next weekend.
For Carrick, it was an ideal beginning, leaving the pitch to cheers from fans in the Stretford End. The chaotic two weeks following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal and Darren Fletcher’s brief tenure concluded on a positive note. — Rob Dawson
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City’s midfield falters, jeopardizing title bid
Manchester City’s title challenge appears effectively over. Should Arsenal win against Nottingham Forest later on Saturday, they will be nine points ahead at the top, a gap too large for City to close. Guardiola’s team was unconvincing at Old Trafford, succumbing to United’s midfield dominance, largely due to Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo’s control in the center of the pitch, a rarity in recent years.
Since Roberto Mancini’s era, driven by the dynamic Yaya Touré, City has enjoyed midfield supremacy, not just in Manchester derbies but across the Premier League. Players like Touré, Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, and Rodri provided City with crucial strength in the midfield.
yet, their dominance is waning, with only Rodri remaining healthy as he continues to recover from a cruciate ligament injury. Against United, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden lacked the energy needed to compete, reflecting City’s struggles throughout the title race. This defeat starkly illustrated their decline. — Mark Ogden
Impressive debut for Carrick
Carrick could not have wished for a better beginning in his new role.
The former United midfielder urged the fans for more noise as he emerged from the tunnel before kickoff, and they delivered, creating an electric atmosphere. The players matched this energy with possibly their best performance since the 2024 FA Cup final against the same opponents under Erik ten Hag.
though Carrick and his new staff had only three days to prepare, the change was palpable. In previous matches against City, United struggled to match their blue counterparts. This time was different.
United applied intense pressure on City’s inexperienced back four, leading to Max Alleyne misplacing passes early on. This set the tone for the entire match. United adopted an aggressive approach, and players like Luke Shaw and Mainoo were relentless, disrupting Rodri and City’s typically composed midfield.
The only element lacking in the first half was a goal; United had the ball in the net twice, only to be denied by the offside flag. This was rectified after the break, concluding with a 2-0 scoreline—though it could have easily been four or five on another day. — Dawson
Maguire and Martínez validate return to back four
Manchester United’s troubling back three era has come to an end, as sturdy defenders Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez demonstrated the effectiveness of a four-man defense.
Under Amorim, United rarely ventured from a rigid 3-4-3 setup, which led to an uncomfortable position for the team. Often, this resulted in substitutions that only confused the players.
Against City, Carrick opted for a traditional back four, with Maguire and Martínez anchoring the defense. Both players excelled to the extent that Guardiola replaced the invisible Erling Haaland with just 10 minutes left. The influence of Carrick’s assistants, Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate, seems apparent already; Maguire and Martínez’s experience was crucial for a solid defense against City.
Maguire, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is proving he deserves an extension. — Ogden
Haaland’s ongoing struggles
Old Trafford’s atmosphere was electric from the outset, yet one of the loudest cheers erupted when Haaland was substituted 10 minutes from time.
The Norway international faced yet another challenging match, despite former United players Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt honing in on his rivalry with Lisandro Martínez leading up to the game. finally, there was no disputing who won that contest.
It’s now just one goal for Haaland in seven matches, with his only score in 2026 being a penalty against Brighton & Hove Albion in a 1-1 draw.
Throughout the season, uncertainty looms over whether City can generate enough goals when Haaland isn’t at the top of his game. New January signing Antoine Semenyo was brought in to share the load but was barely noticeable. Phil Foden also provides a potential scoring threat but departed at half-time.
Guardiola has hinted that Haaland, who has been extensively utilized this season, may be running low on energy, something that was evident during the match against United. — Dawson
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Michallik: Man Utd look at their best under Michael Carrick
ESPN FC’s Janusz Michallik reacts to Manchester United’s stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League.
Mainoo asserts his position
Mainoo has emerged as a symbol of the disappointing Amorim tenure after being notably sidelined by the previous head coach.
The young England midfielder drifted far from the limelight in the concluding days of Amorim’s reign, prompting his half-brother to don a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt during a match to protest his lack of playing time.
Having not started a single league match under Amorim this season, Mainoo featured prominently in Carrick’s debut, playing the full 90 minutes. He excelled alongside Casemiro, contributing quality, flair, and youthful vigor in the midfield.
While Mainoo has his weaknesses—occasionally careless with possession and lacking in pace—United’s overall dynamic improves with his inclusion. — Ogden
Dalot fortuitous with early foul
Guardiola was left fuming over officiating during Newcastle United’s match on Tuesday, and he will likely feel aggrieved once again. Diogo Dalot’s challenge on Jérémy Doku early in the 10th minute was high and reckless, making contact above the knee.
Referee Anthony Taylor addressed the situation at the time by issuing a yellow card to Dalot. City’s analysts in the media area—who had access to replays—were outraged that Taylor was not sent to the monitor by VAR Craig Pawson.
Had Dalot been sent off, it would have completely changed the match dynamics. yet, remaining with 11 players, United proved to be the superior side throughout and earned their victory. It was a significant decision, and Dalot was granted a fortunate reprieve. This choice allowed United to seize most pivotal moments on a successful day for Carrick and the home team. — Dawson
