Michael Carrick remained composed and understated right until the final whistle. His face showed little emotion, his first instinct was to shake hands, and nothing about his demeanour suggested that Manchester United had just produced one of their most dominant derby victories in recent memory.
Yet the atmosphere inside Old Trafford told a very different story. The Stretford End rang out with chants of Carrick’s name, and while the interim boss stayed calm, the stands and many around him were overflowing with excitement.
As a thoroughly outplayed Manchester City side trudged towards the tunnel, United’s players were able to enjoy a lap of honour – not the apologetic circuit supporters have grown used to in difficult times, but one of genuine celebration. For Carrick, it was a remarkable beginning.
For United’s decision-makers, who have endured criticism for a series of poor choices over the past two years, this performance offered early reassurance that they may finally have made the right call. Carrick’s selections, tactical approach and in-game changes were all spot on.
The contrast with Carrick’s recent managerial experiences could not have been sharper. His last match in charge before this had been Middlesbrough’s 2-0 loss to Coventry back in May. This occasion, however, felt like a different universe altogether. It was also a stark improvement on United’s previous outing at Old Trafford, a lifeless FA Cup defeat to Brighton, and even more so compared to Ruben Amorim’s final game, a bleak draw with Wolves. Carrick’s pre-match comments about Old Trafford being a “magic place” proved accurate, as the stadium crackled with energy throughout a memorable afternoon.
Watching on from the stands, Sir Jim Ratcliffe would have seen clear signs that Carrick, despite his quiet nature, is capable of inspiring both players and supporters.
The crowd was fully engaged, and the team played with intensity and purpose – perhaps too much at times. Both full-backs were booked within the first 17 minutes, while Diogo Dalot was fortunate not to see red for a challenge on Jeremy Doku. Officials judged the contact to be minimal rather than dangerous, a decision that infuriated Pep Guardiola. City captain Bernardo Silva echoed his manager’s frustration, insisting that key decisions have consistently gone against them this season.
Controversy aside, United’s superiority was undeniable. They attacked City aggressively and with control, overwhelming the visitors with pace and directness. Guardiola conceded as much afterwards, admitting that United had more energy and fully deserved their win. This was a version of United that looked more familiar and more forceful. Carrick’s choice to deploy a back four gave the team greater width going forward, something they had often lacked under Amorim.
Unlike previous big matches, where success was built largely on defensive caution, Carrick’s United played with ambition. They struck the woodwork twice, had three goals ruled out and were denied repeatedly by the outstanding Gianluigi Donnarumma, who could easily have been named man of the match despite being on the losing side. Even so, United still claimed a convincing victory.
Carrick’s team selection and substitutions underlined his tactical clarity. Benjamin Sesko was left out to prioritise Bryan Mbeumo’s pace, a decision vindicated when Mbeumo scored the opening goal after being released by Bruno Fernandes. Carrick also left out two high-profile attacking signings and again bypassed Sesko when making changes, instead introducing Matheus Cunha, who went on to assist the second goal.
Speed was central to Carrick’s plan. With Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu on the flanks, United constantly threatened on the break. The counterattacking approach echoed elements of Carrick’s former mentors, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but this time United carried the greater attacking threat. Dorgu was rewarded for his relentless running when Cunha’s cross allowed him to beat Rico Lewis and score.
Fernandes’ role as a traditional No 10 was another key decision, reversing one of Amorim’s major tactical shifts. Freed to create, the captain excelled. Carrick summed it up simply: Fernandes’ quality made the difference on a day when United rediscovered belief, energy and identity.
