Lisandro Martinez was bursting with pride in his post-match interview after Manchester United’s win over Man City, crediting Michael Carrick for his efforts just three days after becoming head coach.
Manchester United beat Man City 2-0 at Old Trafford in Michael Carrick’s first game as head coach.
On Tuesday, Carrick was appointed United head coach and given just three days to prepare for the Manchester derby.
The Red Devils went into the derby after failing to win any of their previous four matches, with Darren Fletcher stepping in as caretaker head coach for two of those games following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.
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With Carrick now in charge until the end of the season, the former midfielder could not have asked for a better start.
Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu scored two goals in the second half to give United a deserved win over their rivals.
United fans will argue that the Red Devils were worthy of a greater winning margin, with Harry Maguire hitting the post in the first half as well as having multiple goals overruled by VAR.
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It was a brilliant performance from Carrick’s side. Hopefully, the dressing room receives a boost from it ahead of next week’s trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez celebrate win over Man City
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Lisandro Martinez shares Michael Carrick’s pre-derby message
Carrick’s side delivered a first win for United in 2026 after draws with Burnley and Leeds, plus a defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round.
The players were responsible for a sensational performance, and the Old Trafford faithful rallied behind them throughout the game.
Carrick opted for experience at the back by partnering Lisandro Martinez with Maguire. Both defenders were rocks at the back, and Martinez contributed to some of United’s slick play in possession.
The 198th Manchester derby was another example of how Martinez tends to get the better of Erling Haaland. The Argentine nullified the Premier League’s top scorer and hardly gave him an inch of space.
Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after the game, Martinez opened up on Carrick and revealed what the 44-year-old told the dressing room ahead of the derby win.
“One important thing Michael Carrick said was: use the energy of the people,” Martinez said.
“Today I think we did it. 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.”
Martinez’s performance should silence critics like Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes after the ex-United pair suggested Haaland would find it easy against the World Cup-winning centre back.
Lisandro Martinez silenced the critics to dominate Erling Haaland AGAIN
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Michael Carrick spoke about ‘togetherness’ before derby
It appears as though Carrick has focused on ‘togetherness’ in his first week as United head coach.
That suggests that Carrick believes results will improve if he can get the team fighting for one another on the pitch. The derby win over City is proof of that and gives the team something to gain momentum from.
Speaking to Gary Neville for Sky Sports before the match, Carrick said: “We’re all in it together.”
It’s a credit to Carrick that the players went out and showed that on the pitch against a side chasing the league title.
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