Roy Keane has warned Manchester United fans to stay measured after Michael Carrick opened his latest spell in charge with a derby victory over Manchester City, stressing that any serious judgement on the
head coach should wait for several months rather than follow one impressive afternoon at Old Trafford.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Keane mixed humour with caution when discussing the result and Carrick's future, reminding viewers that the new coach has barely started work and that one strong performance does not remove the questions facing Manchester United over the longer term.
Keane, who had criticised Manchester United's policy of turning to former players before kick-off, repeated those concerns after full-time, even while acknowledging the quality of the display. Before the game, Keane had joked about Darren Fletcher needing guidance from Alex Ferguson, using that example to doubt whether the club's internal appointments were based on rigorous planning.
After the final whistle, Keane delivered a pointed assessment of the reaction surrounding Carrick. "Give him what he wants! Sign the contract! Let's judge it over the next few months. The key for him is trying to get momentum in the team. He is an English coach; the English media will be pushing for him. He has done well today, but let's see how he does. They've won one game! The last manager won more than one game. He's only been there three days. "
Carrick's second spell leading Manchester United, following a three-game caretaker stint in 2021, started with a 2-0 success, secured through second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu. Manchester United also struck the frame of the goal twice and had three efforts ruled out for offside in a match where City often struggled to contain the hosts.
Underlying numbers reflected Manchester United's control. The hosts posted 2.03 expected goals compared with City's 0.45. That xG differential of -1.58 was City's largest negative figure in the Premier League this season. Guardiola's side have only conceded higher xGA figures against Brighton in August, at 2.3, and Newcastle United in November, at 2.24.
Keane also highlighted the influence of recent tactical continuity. Carrick retained the four-player backline first used by Fletcher, but Keane argued that circumstances now favoured Manchester United. Several players who missed the previous fixtures returned, and City arrived in mixed form, which Keane felt gave Carrick a more comfortable platform than Fletcher enjoyed.
Keane felt Manchester United also benefited from a major refereeing call in the 11th minute, when Diogo Dalot caught Jeremy Doku high but avoided dismissal. "Darren Fletcher changed the formation, but there were players missing," Keane noted. "Michael Carrick has come into the dream scenario. Everyone is available, City at home, they've been a little bit off it, he could have had a man sent off. Good timing and a bit of luck, and they have made the most of it. Take nothing away from himbut everyone just calm down. "
Michael reflects on his first week as United Head Coach, after picking up all points in the derbyManchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2026
Attention now turns to Manchester United's visit to Premier League leaders Arsenal next Sunday, a trip that will further test Carrick's early progress. City, meanwhile, must hope Manchester United can also take points from Arsenal, as Guardiola's team now depend on help from their neighbours to keep realistic pressure on the leaders in the title race.
