Michael Carrick had a dream start as Manchester United head coach as his side ran out 2-0 victors in the Manchester Derby. Goals from Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo helped United claim an impressive win in front of an electric Old Trafford.
United came into the game looking to turn their form around after being dumped out of the FA Cup in a 2-1 loss to Brighton. The Red Devils had failed to win any of their last 4 games, a run which included a 1-1 draw with rivals Leeds United that proved to be the last for head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese man was sacked after an explosive post-match press conference where he openly questioned the level of support he received from club ownership.
Manchester City, meanwhile, were looking for a statement win as they seek to close the gap on top-of-the-table Arsenal. A 2-0 win midweek in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle followed on from a thumping 10-1 trashing of League One side Exeter City in the FA Cup the weekend before, so Pep Guardiola’s side were hoping to continue their run of form in the league.
City remained without key defenders Rueben Dias, John Stones and Josko Gvardiol. Instead, they were stuck with inexperienced players at the back, including just a second Premier League start for 20-year-old Max Alleyne. Meanwhile, in attack, they were hoping for an immediate impact from newly signed talisman Antoine Semenyo, who had already notched 10 goals in 20 league games with Bournemouth.
Manchester United were boosted by the returns of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo (both of whom had been away at the African Cup of Nations, representing Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire respectively). Taking over after the dismissal of Amorim, Michael Carrick immediately sought to depart from his predecessor’s rigid and methodical tactical approach by implementing a fast, counterattacking style.
After a tepid first half, the two sides were scoreless. United had two goals disallowed for marginal offside calls, while City failed to get out of second gear and apply any sort of attacking intensity to their opponents.
United’s opener arrived midway through the second half. A blistering counterattack in the 65th minute saw Bruno Fernandes slot a perfect through pass to Bryan Mbeumo, who had no problem finishing past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
It wasn’t long before United had doubled their advantage. Mattheus Cunha placed a low cross perfectly into the path of Patrick Dorgu at the left post to slot it past Donnarumma, sealing the victory with 15 minutes to play.
Amad Diallo looked to have added a third late on, but VAR intervened to once again chalk off a United goal, leaving the score at 2-0 at the full-time whistle.
The game was characterised by long spells of possession for City with little substance to show for it. Despite having 68% of possession, the visitors managed only one shot on target. Key playmakers such as Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki struggled to create opportunities and unlock Erling Haaland’s natural goal threat, while new signing Antoine Semenyo also failed to make an impact. The standout for Guardiola’s men was goalkeeper Donnarumma. The Italian did all he could to keep his side in it with a number of impressive saves, including a jaw-dropping stop against Casemiro from point-blank range.
United were rewarded for their structure and discipline in defence. With Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire ensuring that Senne Lammens was rarely called upon in goal, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo offered extra cover from midfield. Each of United’s attacking options helped expose Man City’s insecurity defensively, with the creative vision of Bruno Fernandes allowing Mbeumo, Dorgu, Amad and Cunha to flourish.
This result had immediate implications for both sides. For United, it was a significant morale boost, lifting them into the top four above Liverpool and providing a strong statement under a new managerial regime. Carrick will once again be tested early into his tenure next week, as Manchester United travel to London to take on the league leaders, Arsenal, at the Emirates.
For City, it compounded recent struggles. A side that once beat opponents with inevitable dominance has continued to look uncharacteristically lacking in depth or creativity in recent weeks. The loss has allowed Aston Villa into the title picture as unlikely contenders, level on points with City, both 7 adrift from the Gunners.
Pep Guardiola was candid in his post-match interview, citing a lack of energy in a match his opponents “deserved to win”. His side hopes to return to winning ways next week as they take on bottom-of-the-table Wolves at home.
