Michael Carrick began his second stint as Manchester United head coach with a tactical masterclass on Sunday, guiding the Red Devils to a resounding 2-0 victory over local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
In a performance that defied pre-match expectations, Carrick’s side dismantled the Premier League champions with a display of defensive grit and counter-attacking precision. The victory adds Pep Guardiola to the list of elite managers Carrick has defeated during his interim spells in charge of the club, a roster that already included Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.
The match marked a distinct departure from the tactical approach of Carrick’s predecessor, Ruben Amorim. Abandoning the Portuguese coach’s rigid three-man defence, Carrick reverted to a compact 4-4-2 system. The adjustment paid immediate dividends, limiting a potent City attack to an expected goals (xG) figure of just 0.45—their second-lowest total in 364 league games under Guardiola.
Despite holding just 32% of possession, United controlled the spaces. Key to this defensive resolve was the return of Harry Maguire, making his first start since November 8. Partnering with Lisandro Martinez, Maguire effectively neutralised Erling Haaland.
“It was a big ask of ‘H’ and credit to him,” Carrick said regarding Maguire’s return after limited training. “It was a bit of a calculated gamble over how long he could play, but he has come through it, and he was fantastic.”
The change in formation also revitalised United’s midfield engine room. Kobbie Mainoo, often stifled under the previous regime, flourished alongside veteran Casemiro.
“Kobbie was great alongside Casa,” Carrick noted. “Between the two of them, it gave us a foundation.”
United’s discipline out of possession was matched by their threat on the break. New arrivals Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo were instrumental. Dorgu executed a disciplined man-marking job on City’s Rico Lewis, while Amad Diallo displayed immense work rate, frequently dropping deep to form a back five when City pressed high.
In attack, the fluidity of Bruno Fernandes and Mbeumo caused issues for City’s Rodri, while Matheus Cunha and Dorgu combined effectively on the flanks, with the latter contributing to United’s second goal. United could have won by a wider margin, hitting the woodwork twice and seeing three goals disallowed for offside, while City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into four excellent saves.
The victory restored a sense of belief at Old Trafford, a stadium that has seen volatile results in recent seasons. As Carrick left the pitch, he was serenaded by the same chant fans sang during his playing days.
“I said yesterday this can be a magical place,” Carrick said. “It does some funny things, and to get that feeling was exactly what we wanted. It’s a great start… but consistency is the key to any success. If you can find that, you’re on to a winner.”
The performance drew praise from former United captains who had previously been sceptical of the club’s managerial instability.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville described Carrick as being “in heaven,” noting the shock on the faces of City’s key figures, including Guardiola and Rodri. “They have been run ragged,” Neville said.
Roy Keane added, “It has been a perfect afternoon for United. It is not as if they got lucky.”
Former striker Wayne Rooney, speaking to BBC Sport, highlighted the return of the club’s traditional identity. “You hear everyone… talk about the United DNA, and that has just shown what it is,” Rooney said. “That is the best performance I have seen from a Man Utd in a long, long time.”
While speculation continues regarding United’s long-term managerial targets for the summer, Carrick’s second tenure has begun with a result that suggests he intends to be more than a mere placeholder.
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