Man United Beats Man City 2-0 in Michael Carrick Debut/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Michael Carrick marked his first match as Manchester United manager with a commanding 2-0 win over rivals Manchester City. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu capped a thrilling performance in the 198th Manchester derby. The victory lifted spirits at Old Trafford and delivered a blow to City’s Premier League title hopes.
Carrick’s United Debut: Quick Looks
- Michael Carrick’s first match in charge ends in a major 2-0 win over Manchester City.
- Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu seal the derby victory.
- Three United goals ruled out for offside, plus two shots hit the woodwork.
- The win ends a turbulent week after Ruben Amorim was sacked.
- Old Trafford erupts in celebration with chants of “United!”
- Champions League hopes boosted, while City suffers another setback in the title race.
- Carrick signed a short-term deal until season’s end, with 17 games remaining.
- Pep Guardiola’s side was outplayed in both halves, struggling to break down United’s defense.
- Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was in attendance, visibly pleased.
Deep Look: Carrick’s United Stuns Man City in Derby Debut Victory
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Michael Carrick could hardly have scripted a better start to his managerial reign at Manchester United. Taking charge just days after being appointed interim head coach, Carrick led the Red Devils to a memorable 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford in the 198th Manchester derby.
The result was not only a crucial boost to United’s campaign for Champions League qualification, but also a symbolic moment of rejuvenation following the club’s recent struggles and the dismissal of former manager Ruben Amorim.
Carrick, who signed a deal running until the end of the current season, now has 17 matches to prove to the United board that he deserves the job permanently. Judging by Saturday’s performance, he’s already made a strong case.
Dominant Derby Display
From the opening whistle, United came out with energy, confidence, and a game plan that clearly caught Pep Guardiola’s City off guard. Within the first three minutes, Harry Maguire nearly gave the home side the lead, heading against the crossbar after a set piece.
Before the first half ended, United had two goals ruled out for offside after VAR reviews, and a series of chances tested City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was one of the few bright spots for the visitors.
But it was in the second half that United truly asserted their dominance.
After Donnarumma kept out efforts from Amad Diallo, Casemiro, and Mbeumo, the breakthrough came in the 65th minute. A misfired City free kick turned into a rapid counterattack, with Bruno Fernandes sprinting into the open field before sliding a pass to Bryan Mbeumo, who struck a precise left-footed shot into the far corner of the net.
The crowd at Old Trafford exploded as Mbeumo celebrated his crucial goal, and chants of “United!” echoed through the stadium.
Just over ten minutes later, substitute Matheus Cunha delivered a low cross that eluded City defender Rico Lewis, and Patrick Dorgu was quickest to react, firing home from close range in the 76th minute to make it 2-0.
United Could Have Had More
Carrick’s team didn’t stop pressing after doubling their lead. Amad Diallo struck the post in the 83rd minute, and Mason Mount appeared to score a third with his very first touch in the 89th minute—only for yet another goal to be disallowed for offside.
Despite the VAR frustrations, the scoreline was comprehensive. United controlled the match in every department and limited City’s trademark possession-based attacking style to half-chances and long-range efforts.
A Special Day for Carrick — and Ferguson
As the final whistle blew, Carrick embraced his staff and players with a broad smile, soaking in the atmosphere of a triumphant debut in front of a raucous home crowd.
Watching from the stands was Sir Alex Ferguson, whose legendary tenure remains the gold standard at Old Trafford. The 13-time Premier League-winning manager was visibly pleased with what he saw—his smile reflecting the joy of a United team that seemed to rediscover its identity under Carrick.
This performance will add pressure on Manchester City, who now face renewed scrutiny as their title race hits another bump. Guardiola’s side looked second-best for much of the contest, struggling to carve out meaningful chances and appearing vulnerable to United’s pace on the break.
A Promising Start, Tough Tests Ahead
While one match does not define a season, Carrick’s tactical setup and player motivation showed signs of a potentially successful tenure. He brought intensity, discipline, and belief—qualities often lacking in recent United displays.
The next few weeks will test Carrick’s managerial mettle, but if the derby win is any indication, Manchester United may have found stability—and perhaps their next long-term manager.
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