Manchester United put bitter rivals Manchester City to the sword on Michael Carrick’s touchline debut in the Premier League, cruising to a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Keen to avoid going three consecutive home clashes against the Cityzens without scoring for the first time in over a century, United started the game on the front foot.
However, the Red Devils had two first-half goals disallowed for offside.
On the other hand, Pep Guardiola’s charges looked up the creek without a paddle, doing almost nothing to put Man Utd’s fragile backline to the test.
After a catalogue of missed chances in the opening 45 minutes, Carrick’s side found a well-deserved breakthrough midway through the second half through Bryan Mbeumo.
Only 11 minutes later, Patrick Dorgu doubled the hosts’ lead with a well-taken finish, putting the game beyond City’s reach.
As a result, Man Utd halted their dreadful four-game winless streak in all competitions while casting further doubt on Man City’s hopes of overtaking Arsenal at the top of the table.
Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Senne Lammens (6/10) – One of Man City’s worst attacking showings in recent memory warranted just one routine save from the former Royal Antwerp goalkeeper.
Diogo Dalot (6/10) – Got away with a yellow card for a mindless tackle on Jeremy Doku early on. However, grew into the context, constantly providing depth on the right flank.
Harry Maguire (8/10) – Unlucky to hit the woodwork in the opening stage of the game. Made light of Erling Haaland, who spent most of the game in the Englishman’s back pocket.
Lisandro Martinez (8/10) – Calm and collected in possession and perfect in positioning, the Argentine center-back delivered a flawless performance at the heart of United’s backline.
Luke Shaw (6/10) – Despite picking up an early booking, the experienced left-back stood his ground against Antonie Semenyo, neutralising one of the Premier League’s most lethal wingers.
Casemiro (6/10) – Had quite a modest impact in the build-up, yet his defensive prowess helped Man Utd effectively break Man City’s feeble attempts to create something in the final third.
Kobbie Mainoo (7/10) – Unlike his colleague in the double pivot, the young gun enjoyed plenty of possession, offering a progressive outlet in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes (8/10) – Pulled all the strings in attack, distributing the ball with purpose and precision. Teed up Mbeumo for the goal with an inch-perfect pass.
Amad Diallo (7/10) – Wasted a golden chance to double United’s lead shortly after the opening goal. However, kept Nathan Ake busy from start to finish with his clever movement of the ball.
Patrick Dorgu (8/10) – Lacked composure when it mattered most, often choosing the wrong option in advanced areas. Yet to adapt to his new role.
Bryan Mbeumo (8/10) – Deployed as a lone centre-forward, the Cameroonian star spent most of the first half in a ‘stealth’ mode. Yet, he stepped up with an all-important opener with a thumping finish.
Substitutions
Matheus Cunha (8/10)
Manuel Ugarte (6/10)
Mason Mount (N/A)
Manchester City (4-1-4-1)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (7/10) – Made five impressive saves on either side of half-time, but there was nothing he could do to thwart Mbeumo’s powerful strike.
Rico Lewis (4/10) – Nowhere to be seen in the final third. Fared reasonably well against Dorgu until the Dane slipped his mark to put the game to bed.
Abdukodir Khusanov (4/10) – The Uzbek was too far away from Mbeumo for the goal, summing up another erratic display from the struggling centre-back.
Max Alleyne (5/10) – Got an unexpected chance to start amid a full-blown defensive crisis but failed to rise to the challenge, letting the occasion get the better of him.
Nathan Ake (5/10) – Though the Dutchman did well to keep Diallo at bay, he had nothing to offer on the opposite side of the field, especially when City needed attacking thrust from their full-backs.
Rodri (6/10) – The former Ballon d’Or winner held up his end of the bargain, screening the backline effectively and recycling possession with composure.
Antoine Semenyo (3/10) – Guardiola’s decision to switch the former Bournemouth ace to the right wing didn’t pay off. Instead, it derailed the 26-year-old’s influence, making him a marginal figure in the contest.
Bernardo Silva (4/10) – Well past his prime, the diminutive midfielder was relatively comfortable in possession but couldn’t find a killer pass that has defined his career.
Phil Foden (3/10) – Another near-anonymous performance from the left-footed playmaker. Unable to provide the spark or any ounce of creativity, forcing Guardiola to take him off at half-time.
Jeremy Doku (4/10) – Too much effort for too little reward. The Belgian winger repeatedly ran into traffic, squandered possession far too often, and failed to provide any real end product when City needed inspiration.
Erling Haaland (2/10) – It’s been a while since the leading Premier League goalscorer looked more irrelevant than today. Will want to forget this fixture in a hurry.
Substitutions
Nico O’Reilly (5/10)
Rayan Cherki (4/10)
Rayan Ait Nouri (N/A)
Tijjani Reijnders (N/A)
Divine Mukasa (N/A)