Before his second spell began as Manchester United head coach, Michael Carrick called Old Trafford a magical place. Few expected him to summon such a dominant display against Manchester City. Pep Guardiola later admitted his side may have lost even after an early Dalot dismissal.
United won 2-0 and Carrick added Guardiola to his growing list of defeated managers. That list already included Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta. He also earned a draw against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea. As he left the pitch, fans sang the chant created in his honor during 2006.
Carrick reflected on a day that delivered almost everything he wanted. “It’s a great start,” he said with a smile. “There’s no getting away from that.”
A calm figure amid the noise
Carrick does not chase headlines or dramatic soundbites. He avoids showmanship and keeps emotions in check. Experience has taught him restraint after single high-profile victories. He focused instead on long-term standards and habits.
“Consistency brings success,” Carrick said. “That always matters most.” He acknowledged the emotion of the derby occasion. He stressed that such feelings cannot fuel every match. He still demanded a clear benchmark for future performances.
Carrick and his family kept their season tickets long after his playing career ended. This season he worked as a television pundit and studied United closely. He never expected Ruben Amorim’s dismissal or this sudden opportunity. He still formed clear ideas about using this squad better.
A midfield reset brings control
Carrick abandoned Amorim’s back three immediately. He restored Kobbie Mainoo to midfield prominence. Mainoo had suffered most under rigid tactical demands. Club executives eventually shared that concern.
“I’ve watched many games closely,” Carrick said. “You develop instincts about players.” Those instincts pushed him toward a Mainoo and Casemiro partnership. Amorim rarely showed trust in that pairing.
Mainoo’s energy complemented Casemiro’s experience throughout the match. Carrick praised their balance and discipline. “They gave us a foundation,” he said. That platform allowed United to control space without possession.
Maguire returns and dominates
Harry Maguire started his first match since early November. He partnered Lisandro Martinez against Erling Haaland. The duo restricted City to an expected goals figure of 0.45. That number ranked among City’s lowest under Guardiola.
“It was a huge task for Harry,” Carrick said. “He deserves enormous credit.” Maguire trained only briefly after weeks of absence. Carrick admitted he took a calculated risk with his minutes. The defender repaid that faith with a commanding display.
Former captains Gary Neville and Roy Keane praised Carrick’s impact. Neville described City as stunned and disbelieving. Keane insisted United earned victory without fortune.
A performance fans craved
Former striker Wayne Rooney highlighted the crowd’s hunger for such moments. He said supporters missed this intensity for years. He praised the team’s work-rate and defensive commitment. He pointed to wide players tracking back and supporting full-backs.
United struck the woodwork twice and saw three goals ruled out. Gianluigi Donnarumma produced four outstanding saves. One reflex stop denied Casemiro from close range. The Brazilian reacted in visible frustration.
Speculation continues about United’s long-term managerial plans. Many still view Carrick as a temporary solution. Such views ignore emotional momentum created by strong results. Old Trafford finally roared with belief and connection.
Old Trafford responds again
For once, the stadium responded to effort and clarity. United followed a clear plan within a demanding season. That plan delivered victory in a crucial derby. Carrick sensed the energy inside the dressing room.
“The players fed off it,” he said. “They desperately wanted to perform.” He warned against excessive emotion clouding decisions. He felt his players balanced passion with control. He praised the supporters for their influence.
Carrick repeated his belief in Old Trafford’s unique power. He said the stadium creates moments that defy logic. He urged everyone to build on this feeling. He allowed himself quiet enjoyment without overreaction.
How Manchester United earned the win
United impressed across every phase of play. They held only 32 percent possession yet defended superbly. Their compact 4-4-2 shape limited City’s attacking routes. Coordination and intensity defined their off-ball work.
Amad and Patrick Dorgu executed demanding winger roles. Dorgu tightly marked Rico Lewis and reduced his influence centrally. Amad dropped deep to create a temporary back five. He controlled Jeremy Doku effectively.
United forced City wide and collapsed space quickly. Four defenders often surrounded attacks near the touchlines. This structure denied City clear central chances. It frustrated Guardiola’s side throughout.
In possession, United stayed true to traditional strengths. They attacked directly and used pace intelligently. Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo unsettled Rodri between the lines. Dorgu and Matheus Cunha combined well for the second goal.
