Michael Carrick started his homecoming at Manchester United with a sense of familiarity, with an attacking performance securing a 2-0 win at Old Trafford and securing the spoils of the side derby.
He was only appointed as head coach until the end of the season this week, replacing the departed Ruben Amorim, but United look different and Old Trafford feels different.
Brian Mbeumo’s opening goal was a deserved goal, scored in vintage Man United style. Rayan Cherki’s ball into the box set up a speedy three-way counterattack for United, with Bruno Fernandes sliding in to score his seventh goal of the league season.
There were further traces of the past when second-half substitute Matheus Cunha crossed into the area for Patrick Dorg to score.
By this point United had already had the ball in the back of the net twice, and both finishes had been ruled out for offside. Both Amad Diallo and Fernandes thought they had given United the lead in the first half, only to see the assistant referee’s flag go up.
But this wasn’t the last chance. Mason Mount thought he had added a third goal off the bench on the day of the derby, but that too was taken away and they almost suffered a crushing defeat on derby day.
United’s offside record this season is the sum total of front-foot defenses that started from the moment Harry Maguire’s header hit the bar in the third minute. Amad also said that no team in the Premier League this season has hit the crate more than United, and he saw a late chance hit the frame.
United made a good impression but were lucky to finish the game with 11 men as Diogo Dalot escaped what Mike Dean said was “100 per cent” a red card after his challenge on Jeremy Doku.
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Mike Dean claims Diogo Dalot should have been shown a red card for challenging Jeremy Doku
However, manager Josep Guardiola could only watch his team play out of play as title-chasing Man City managed just one shot on target and relied on Gianluigi Donnarumma’s five crucial saves to avoid humiliation.
City are now at risk of falling nine points behind league leaders Arsenal, who face Nottingham Forest later on Saturday. Meanwhile, Man United moved up to fourth place.
Offside flag denies United after Maguire goes close to goal
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Harry Maguire hits the crossbar from close range early on
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Bruno Fernandes’ goal ruled out for offside
Inspired Donnarumma helps City avoid humiliation
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Gianluigi Donnarumma denies Mbeumo
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Donnarumma made two saves to deny Manchester United an early lead.
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Patrick Dorg scores Manchester United’s second goal
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Brian Mbeumo gives Manchester United the lead
Carrick: Today was special, but we can’t get carried away.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick told Sky Sports:
“Today was special. We put things together quickly and tried to leave our mark on the team. We came together and were emotionally attached to what we wanted to do. I felt that was unbelievable from the staff and the players.”
“I’m not feeling good. That’s one result, but with that level of performance you have to keep your usual feel.”
Pep: United had an energy that we didn’t have.
After the match, manager Josep Guardiola told Sky Sports:
“The better team won. They had an energy that we didn’t have. Congratulations to them.
“They created chances at the end with their crosses. We know they are a team in transition, but overall they were the better team.
“They start off really strong, but that’s normal.
“We never threatened, we never made any crosses or movements, but that’s part of the energy.”
Regarding Erling Haaland’s replacement, Guardiola said he removed the striker to introduce “new energy”.
