Michael Carrick marked his return to the Manchester United dugout in emphatic fashion as his side secured a deserved 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Taking charge for the first time since being named head coach until the end of the season, Carrick oversaw a rejuvenated United display against Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing side. Second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed United’s first win since Boxing Day and lifted the mood after a turbulent fortnight following Ruben Amorim’s departure.
United set the tone early, with Harry Maguire rattling the crossbar inside three minutes. Despite City dominating possession, Carrick’s men looked sharper and more purposeful. The visitors were fortunate not to face an early red card decision in their favour after Diogo Dalot escaped with a yellow for a challenge on Jérémy Doku.
Gianluigi Donnarumma kept City in the game with a series of outstanding saves, while United saw three goals ruled out for offside, including efforts from Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes.
The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute when Fernandes led a swift counter-attack and slipped Mbeumo through to finish calmly across Donnarumma. Substitute Matheus Cunha then made an instant impact, crossing for Dorgu to score United’s second in the 76th minute.
City rarely threatened, and the Old Trafford crowd roared as Erling Haaland was withdrawn late on. Carrick’s delighted reaction said it all — a dream start that reignites belief on the red side of Manchester.
