Michael Carrick oversaw an emphatic victory against Man City in his first game in charge since his Man Utd return.
Guardiola shakes hands with Carrick.(Image: AFP or licensors)View 3 Images
"Think forward, play forward, run forward" has been the message drilled into Manchester United's academy players across decades. It's a mindset that has been the foundation for success at the football club. On Saturday, Michael Carrick went back to basics against Manchester City to help his team produce United's finest Manchester derby performance since the 2024 FA Cup final triumph.
United looked like a proper United team, limiting City to just one shot on target and having three goals disallowed for offside in a dominant 2-0 victory. It was goalless at half-time, but the home players were applauded back into the dressing room. United's fans finally recognised what they were watching.
"So different, so different," Lisandro Martienz told reporters when asked about Carrick's impact in training. United were aggressive, they played on the front foot, their attitude and mentality were different.
Just 54 days before the Manchester derby, United limped to a humiliating 1-0 defeat to a 10-man Everton at Old Trafford. The difference between the two performances is chalk and cheese.
Martinez's answer about Carrick's impact spoke volumes about what he and his backroom staff achieved in three days, but it also reflected badly on Ruben Amorim. United were unshackled against City, and the performance was total vindication of the decision to axe Amorim and appoint Carrick.
Mbeumo celebrates after scoring in the derby.(Image: 2026 Copa)View 3 Images
Amorim secured a few memorable victories during his season-and-a-half in charge at United, with wins against City at the Etihad and against Lyon at Old Trafford the pick of a limited bunch.
However, those results were secured thanks to brilliance from individuals. Amad was responsible for single-handedly turning the derby on its head in December 2024, while Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire miraculously scored late goals against Lyon. United could have easily lost both of those matches.
On this occasion, United were collectively outstanding against City, and it was impossible to argue that it was a fluke. City suffered their biggest expected goals (xG) defeat in their history, which confirmed the visual impression: United were rampant and thoroughly deserved their 2-0 win.
"We have to look at ourselves and today the analysis is that Man United were better than Man City. You have to accept it," said a disappointed Guardiola during his post-match press conference.
Carrick outfoxed the greatest manager in the Premier League after seven months out of the game. "We've got season tickets and my family comes, so I've been to a lot of games over recent times and you get to know the players and your own eye," said Carrick after the game.
"Everyone has an opinion and your instincts, and then there was a few days to prepare, so the balance of how much information, what the lads could take on, being fair to them to not overdo it."
The debate throughout Amorim's tenure was whether United would improve by playing a different formation. A big part of that was Amorim's system forced Bruno Fernandes to play in a deeper role.
Fernandes was relocated to his strongest position by Carrick and, unsurprisingly, delivered a superb display. "I've spoken to Bruno, I've known him a long time now, and I thought he was fantastic today," said Carrick. "The way he played the position, he's so clever, and he takes up space."
Fernandes is playing in his best position again. (Image: AFP or licensors)View 3 Images
Carrick's team selection was perfect. Harry Maguire was recalled and was superb alongside Martinez, while Kobbie Mainoo sparkled on his first start of the Premier League season.
It was a big decision to name Benjamin Sesko on the bench given he'd scored three goals in his last two matches, but a striker-less attack of Patrick Dorgu, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad was the right choice. Carrick was spotted with his arm around Sesko during the post-match celebrations.
Martinez lapped up the adulation from the Stretford End after finishing his pitchside interview with Sky Sports. He subsequently provided a great response when asked about criticism from Paul Scholes.
The tactics were executed perfectly. United operated with a 4-4-2 shape at times, and they played narrow, giving City's wingers yards of space by the byline. However, when the ball was played to those wingers, Diogo Dalot or Luke Shaw would sprint out - and the forward ahead of them would drop back.
Guardiola's side were unable to play inside from their wingers toward United's box, which is how they score plenty of goals in the Premier League, because of Carrick's tactical instructions.
The defensive organisation made a significant difference. Carrick added Steve Holland to his backroom staff, and the result was also a huge tactical win for the 55-year-old, who oversaw the bulk of the coaching in training during Gareth Southgate's tenure as England manager.
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Holland arrived with bags of experience, having previously spent years advising successful managers at Chelsea. Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion were key in the victory as well.
Woodgate was spotted wearing an earpiece on the touchline. Binnion was sitting behind the press box, passing down information to the bench from the advantage of a bird's eye view.
Carrick hopes United can continue to soar during the remainder of the season.