Michael Carrick had a fantastic start to his second stint as Manchester United’s caretaker manager, as second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu severely impacted Manchester City’s chances of winning the Premier League title.
After a period of dissatisfaction, Old Trafford buzzed with energy, prompting Sir Alex Ferguson to celebrate in the stands, while United fans mockingly waved goodbye to City’s Erling Haaland when he was substituted 10 minutes before the end.
City’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma played a crucial role in keeping his team in the match, making several outstanding saves to thwart attempts from Dorgu, Amad Diallo, Casemiro, and Mbeumo.
However, even Donnarumma couldn’t stop United from taking the lead when captain Bruno Fernandes led a fast counter-attack and passed to Mbeumo, who had just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and finished the move.
Just 11 minutes later, United increased their advantage as City defender Rico Lewis was caught off guard, allowing Dorgu to slip in front of him and convert Matheus Cunha’s cut-back.
United had three goals ruled out for offside, and Diallo struck the post late in the game, but with Haaland extending his goal drought to one in seven matches, City appeared unlikely to mount a comeback.
As United’s fans celebrated Carrick, City manager Pep Guardiola slumped in his dugout, watching his team’s winless streak in the Premier League extend to four games, which opened the door for Arsenal to strengthen their title position.
Meanwhile, United climbed to fourth place, a position they struggled to reach under Ruben Amorim, allowing Carrick to celebrate with his new coaching staff at the conclusion of the match.
One contentious moment for Manchester United came early on when Diogo Dalot made a high challenge on Jeremy Doku.
Many believed it deserved a red card, but fortunately for Carrick, referee Anthony Taylor and fourth official Craig Pawson disagreed.
Once they navigated that challenge, Carrick’s team delivered the kind of impressive performance the home fans had been waiting for.
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In achieving only their third clean sheet of the season, United relied on Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez to neutralize Haaland’s threat.
On the rare occasion that the Norwegian looked poised to score, Martinez made a crucial block.
Behind them, goalkeeper Senne Lammens redeemed himself after a serious error by saving a goal-bound header from Max Alleyne, which resulted from a corner he had carelessly conceded.
Kobbie Mainoo, often overlooked by Amorim, thrived alongside Casemiro in midfield as United maintained control of the match.
By the end, United’s fans were singing for Michael Carrick.
After two wins and a draw during his first interim spell in 2021, he has now added another memorable victory to his achievements.
