Manchester United Start Carrick Era With 2-0 Manchester Derby Win Over City
Manchester United kicked off the Michael Carrick era in style, showing renewed confidence and a performance that had fans smiling from start to finish.
The Reds defeated cross-town rivals Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, delivering a statement win to start the Premier League weekend.
Carrick set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bryan Mbeumo leading the attack, Bruno Fernandes in his preferred No. 10 role, and Amad and Patrick Dorgu operating on the wings. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo anchored the midfield, while Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, and Harry Maguire formed the backline in front of goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
City dominated possession for much of the game but struggled to create clear-cut chances, registering just one shot on target in the first half. United, by contrast, looked sharp on the counter, twice seeing goals ruled out by tight offside calls.
The second half belonged to United. The Reds grew increasingly confident going forward, creating six meaningful chances and converting two of them. The breakthrough came from Mbeumo, who finished a textbook counterattack after Bruno fed him a perfectly timed pass into space, slotting past Gianluigi Donnarumma for 1-0.
United kept the pressure on, and Carrick’s decision to bring on Matheus Cunha paid off. The substitute made an immediate impact, driving into the right channel and delivering a pinpoint cross for Dorgu to double the lead. A late goal from Mason Mount was disallowed for a tight offside, but it did little to dampen the celebrations.
The result delivered a morale-boosting derby win and a refreshing display of attacking intent. United now turn their attention to a challenging trip to league leaders Arsenal next weekend.
