Old Trafford was a cauldron of emotion as Michael Carrick’s second interim tenure began with a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester City, a decisive moment in the title race.
From the electric atmosphere to the strategic dismantling of Pep Guardiola’s side, here is what we learned from the 198th Manchester Derby.
The 4-2-3-1 is back
The most immediate takeaway was Carrick’s decision to bin the 3-4-3 of the previous regime in favour of a more balanced 4-2-3-1. This shift provided structural clarity which was much needed, allowing United to go toe-to-toe with the champions.
One point behind Liverpool, United have reignited a Champions League charge in 5th place, something many thought was dead.
The breakthrough came in the 65th minute through a vintage counter-attack. After a clearing header from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes sparked a gallop that saw Bryan Mbeumo finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Carrick’s reaction in the technical area—jumping for joy as the Stretford End ignited—encapsulated a manager who has restored the club’s spirit in just four days.
City not creative enough again
For Man City, this was a rare dark day at the Theatre of Dreams. Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw this evening by Nottingham Forest, making City’s loss all the more painful.
They remain seven points adrift of the Premier League leaders, and some are now questioning if they have thrown the title away.
Guardiola’s side controlled 65% of the possession but lacked imagination in the final third. The absence of star defensive personnel forced the inclusion of Max Alleyne, who struggled under the high-intensity press of United.
Concerningly Erling Haaland has now gone seven matches without a goal from open play, with the colossal performances of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez, he was silenced again today. And with rumours of a £20m move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi getting louder, City’s defensive reinforcements cannot arrive soon enough.
United’s midfield is reborn
Throughout this season, United’s midfield has been the primary target for critics. Today though, we saw a revival.
Despite the internal drama that led to Ruben Amorim’s exit over a lack of reinforcements, the pairing of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro looked anything but a crisis.
The ability of Mainoo to push forward and break lines, balanced with that of Casemiro and his positional discipline, gave United a strong block that City could not penetrate.
Casemiro’s standing ovation upon his substitution was a testament to his defensive mastery today, proving that while January signings are still needed, the current personnel still have what it takes on the biggest stages.
Carrick’s intense style suits newfound quality in depth
Michael Carrick has introduced a level of intensity and system reminiscent of the peak Solskjaer years but with a more modern tactical edge. The dramatic pace of both Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu on the wings turned City’s transition out of defense into a chaotic mess.
Captain Bruno Fernandes operated perfectly between the lines, but it was the squad depth that actually came as a surprise. Bolstered by the return of their AFCON internationals, including Bryan Mbeumo, Carrick was then able to bring Matheus Cunha off the bench with 20 minutes to go. Cunha immediately created the second goal, crossing for Dorgu who finished cutely.
It was the first time in a long time where United didn’t drop in quality upon using a substitute. With a few more players set to return to Carrington, surely United can begin to set their sights firmly on the top four.