Michael Carrick’s return to Manchester Unitedcontinued in fine fashion as the Red Devils claimed a 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford to move into the Premier League top four.
Carrick had spoken pre-match about the “magic” still present at the club, and United delivered a performance to match the rhetoric, producing their most complete display of the season just days into his tenure.
United benefited from a near fully fit squad, bolstered by the timely returns of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad. The duo added sharpness and intensity to a high-pressing approach that unsettled City throughout.
Mbeumo marked his first appearance in a month by opening the scoring in the 65th minute, offering further relief that Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations exit ensured his availability.
It was United’s first home league win over City since January 2023 and a result that temporarily lifted them to fourth.
City falter as title hopes fade
For City, the defeat further dented hopes of reclaiming the title from Arsenal.
Defensive lapses proved costly, particularly for the second goal in the 76th minute when Rico Lewis failed to track Patrick Dorgu, allowing the wing-back to ghost in and finish.
City’s attack offered little resistance, with Phil Foden withdrawn at half-time, Erling Haaland neutralised, and Antoine Semenyo kept quiet.
Old Trafford atmosphere and first-half control
The derby was played against a charged backdrop, with protests aimed at the club’s ownership and banners referencing City’s ongoing Premier League charges.
On the pitch, United dominated large spells of a goalless first half, forcing City into repeated errors under pressure.
Harry Maguire struck the crossbar early on, while Fernandes and Amad both had goals ruled out for offside.
City struggled to cope with United’s aggressive press, and the interval arrived with the visitors fortunate to be level.
Second-half breakthrough seals result
City’s issues deepened after the break, including an injury-enforced withdrawal for Haaland. United continued to press and eventually found reward through Mbeumo before Dorgu sealed the win.