Manchester United did not just beat Manchester City. They sent a message. On a loud, emotional afternoon at Old Trafford, a rejuvenated United side defeated their city rivals 2-0 in a Manchester derby that felt like a turning point. It was fast, aggressive, brave, and full of belief. Most importantly, it felt like Manchester United again.
This was Michael Carrick’s first match in charge, and it could hardly have been tougher. A Manchester derby. A wounded squad. A restless fanbase. Weeks of chaos and disappointment behind them. Yet Carrick walked into Old Trafford and delivered a performance that nobody expected, least of all City.
From the very first whistle, United played with hunger. They pressed high, chased every loose ball, and refused to let City settle. The crowd sensed something different immediately. There was energy in the stands and confidence on the pitch, something that had been missing for far too long.
Carrick had only a handful of training sessions to pass on his ideas, but his impact was clear. United lined up with a back four and pushed forward aggressively, unsettling a Manchester City side that looked strangely sloppy and uncomfortable in possession.
United almost took the lead inside three minutes. Harry Maguire rose highest from a corner and powered a header against the crossbar from point-blank range. It was an early warning sign that City failed to read.
The opening stages belonged to United, but controversy soon followed. Diogo Dalot flew into a late, high challenge on Jeremy Doku. He only received a yellow card, a decision that stunned many watching. The ball popped up off Doku’s touch and Dalot lunged, making slight contact with the ball before his follow-through landed dangerously below the knee.
VAR checked the incident but did not recommend a review, calling it a “glancing blow.” Gary Neville and former referee Mike Dean were furious. Mike Dean said clearly: “100 per cent red card. At normal speed you can’t tell, but the replays aren’t good. It’s high, across the kneecap. Red card all day.”
The derby quickly turned feisty. Luke Shaw was booked for a late challenge on Rodri, and the match began to boil. United thrived in the chaos. The fans roared, and the players fed off it. City, usually so calm, looked rattled.
United thought they had taken the lead twice before half-time, but both goals were ruled out for offside. Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes both timed their runs just a fraction too early before rounding Gianluigi Donnarumma. Each time, the linesman was right.
Despite the frustration, United never dropped their intensity. The only thing missing from their first-half performance was a goal. Compared to the two matches under Darren Fletcher and the flat spells seen under Ruben Amorim, this was a completely different team.
The back four allowed United to dominate City’s midfield. Rodri, normally the heartbeat of City, was overrun. Kobbie Mainoo, making his first Premier League start of the season, impressed with his calmness and intelligence beyond his years.
City improved after the break and looked closer to their usual selves, but it was United who came closest again. Amad fired a stinging shot that Donnarumma brilliantly pushed away. Casemiro followed up, only for the giant Italian goalkeeper to deny him with an unbelievable outstretched leg.
Moments later, Donnarumma was at it again, blocking Bryan Mbeumo’s volley from close range. It felt like one of those days where the ball simply would not go in. Old Trafford held its breath.
Finally, the breakthrough arrived. Bruno Fernandes slipped a perfect pass through the City defence, and Bryan Mbeumo kept his composure. He rolled the ball calmly across Donnarumma and into the far corner. It was a goal United fully deserved, and the stadium exploded.
Ten minutes later, Old Trafford erupted again. Patrick Dorgu got goalside of a sleeping Rico Lewis and finished off a brilliant move. Substitute Matheus Cunha made an instant impact, skinning Nico O’Reilly before drilling a low cross across the box. Dorgu arrived at the right moment and guided the ball home with calm precision.
United were flying now. Amad nearly added a third when he burst clear, beat Nathan Ake, and smashed a shot against the post. It felt cruel that it did not go in.
In added time, Mason Mount appeared to seal the perfect afternoon by tapping in a third goal. VAR intervened again, ruling it out for an incredibly tight offside decision. It did not matter. Nothing could spoil this day.
The final whistle brought relief, joy, and belief. Michael Carrick had delivered a masterstroke. In just one game, he restored pride, energy, and hope. Old Trafford was bouncing, and Manchester United looked alive again.
This was more than three points. It was a reminder of what this club can be when it fights together. For one unforgettable afternoon, Manchester United destroyed Manchester City and reminded everyone who they are.
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