Manchester United overpowered Manchester City at Old Trafford, giving Michael Carrick a winning return as interim manager and lifting the mood around the club. Lisandro Martinez highlighted Carrick’s influence after the 2-0 Premier League victory, stressing how a strong game plan and the crowd’s backing shaped the derby result.
The match turned United’s way after half-time, when Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu both scored to seal the win. United controlled long spells, restricting City to a single shot on target and just 0.45 expected goals, while the home side’s intensity pushed Pep Guardiola’s team onto the back foot throughout.
Martinez explained that Carrick placed major focus on reconnecting the side with the Old Trafford support. Martinez told
Sky Sports: "One important thing Michael Carrick said was: use the energy of the people. Today I think we did it, the Argentina defender told Sky Sports. When we are together, it is impossible to lose at home.We know how we've suffered during the season, but the only way is showing face and showing who we are. This was the best moment to do it. The team, not just the players on the pitch, but also on the bench, everyone was part of that. "
The Argentina defender underlined how collective effort underpinned United’s defensive display, particularly against City’s forwards. Asked about limiting Guardiola’s side, Martinez said: "When you play against this kind of players, the team defends. Not just one or two players. Today we defended so well. We were so compact all the time, and then you have the confidence to go to the duels. You feel today a different energy in the eyes of the players.Today the team won, that's the most important thing for me. "
Central to United’s plan was how Martinez and Harry Maguire contained Erling Haaland. The City striker finished with only 14 touches, continuing a difficult period. Haaland has now played seven straight matches in all competitions without a non-penalty goal, his longest such spell in Europe’s top five leagues.
City’s difficulty in breaking United down has become a consistent theme. The latest defeat means City have won just one of their last six Manchester derbies in all competitions against United. Over that stretch United have recorded three wins, there have been two draws, and Guardiola’s players have struggled to impose their usual attacking rhythm.
Manchester United vs Manchester City and wider Premier League picture
This setback also adds to a broader league run for City. Guardiola’s side are now without a win in four consecutive Premier League matches, with three draws and one defeat. The last time City endured a similar domestic sequence came in December 2024, a spell that also included a loss against United.
Carrick’s first match back in temporary charge pushed United, at least for a few hours, into fourth place in the Premier League table. City’s defeat means Guardiola’s team could fall nine points behind leaders Arsenal if Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest later on 17 January 2026, increasing the pressure in the title race.
The noise around Old Trafford reflected the significance of this derby for both sides, as shown by Manchester United’s official account posting "OH UNITED WE LOVE YOU!" during the celebrations.For United, the win offered relief after a difficult season, while for City it extended an uneasy spell in both league form and derby results.OH UNITED WE LOVE YOU! pic.twitter.com/RgYRV5BfXdManchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2026
