It was a special show from Manchester United who beat all the pre-match odds to stun Manchester City 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday (January 17).
Old Trafford witnessed a radical change in the side,
which dismantled Pep Guardiola's side and punished them big time, thus finding the wind in their sails for the top four race.
United goals came from Bryan Mbeumo (65') and Patrick Dorgu (76'), but the result was built on far more than individual brilliance. Carrick set up his side in a compact mid-block, with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo providing midfield steel to disrupt City's rhythm.
The backline - anchored by Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire - stood firm, limiting Erling Haaland to minimal service.
The hosts absorbed early pressure before exploding on the counter. Bruno Fernandes dictated play with incisive passing, while wingers stretched City's high defensive line. United had three goals disallowed for tight offside calls, including a stunning Fernandes solo effort, and struck the woodwork twice, underlining their dominance.
Michael Carrick brings in immediate transformation
Carrick deployed a balanced system that allowed United to absorb pressure early before transitioning at speed. The midfield duo of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo provided steel, breaking up City's rhythm and protecting the back four - Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire were immense aerially and in duels.
How Man United Unlocked City's Defense
City's high line and inverted full-backs were targeted relentlessly. United exploited spaces behind with precise through balls - Bruno Fernandes was pivotal, delivering line-breaking passes and leading in chances created.
United sat in a compact mid-block, denying City easy progression through the lines. When possession was won, the Reds exploded forward with directness. Bruno Fernandes pulled the strings as captain, creating chances with his vision, while wingers like Mbeumo and substitutes such as Amad Diallo stretched the play
City's free kick led to a Man United counterattack and Bryan Mbeumo made no mistake to slot past Donnarumma for the first goal. The lightning-quick move stunned Pep Guardiola's side, as much as it did the home crowd.
This "rope-a-dope" approach - soaking up pressure before hitting on the break - frustrated City, who looked sluggish and lacked their usual fluidity. City's recent defensive frailties were exposed, with recklessness at the back inviting United's transitions time and again.
The second goal followed a similar pattern: a quick transition involving Cunha, who assisted Dorgu for a composed finish. United's intensity was relentless - full-backs Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw pressed high, and then Dorgu pounced on beating Rico Lewis to find the net.
City's performance was described as "horrific" in some quarters, with poor decision-making and wasteful defending. They struggled to create clear chances against United's organized shape. Erling Haaland and co. were contained, as City's attack fizzled out.
Overall, it was the heart and skill combined that took the Red Devils over the line. The switch to back four from Ruben Amorim's back three played a part, but the willingness from the players to win the match was the key as United and Old Trafford breathe a collective sigh of relief after a Manchester Derby!
