Manchester United began the Michael Carrick era with a statement performance, beating Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford in a Premier League clash that had fans buzzing.
Carrick lined his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bryan Mbeumo leading the attack, Bruno Fernandes at No. 10, and Amad and Patrick Dorgu on the wings. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo held the midfield, while Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, and Harry Maguire protected goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
City controlled possession for much of the match but created few real chances, registering only one effort on target in the first half. United looked sharper on the break, with two early goals ruled out by narrow offside calls.
The breakthrough came in the second half when Mbeumo finished a counterattack perfectly orchestrated by Bruno Fernandes, slotting calmly past Gianluigi Donnarumma. United grew more confident as the half progressed, creating multiple chances and maintaining control.
Carrick’s substitution of Matheus Cunha proved decisive. The forward drove into the right channel and delivered a precise cross for Dorgu to double United’s lead. A late Mason Mount goal was disallowed for a tight offside, but it did little to take away from a commanding victory.
The win gave United three points and a morale boost, but attention quickly turns to next weekend’s trip to face league leaders Arsenal.
