Manchester United players in the tunnel.
Manchester United players in the tunnel. (Image: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick could sense that Manchester United were primed to deliver when he witnessed the sheer determination etched on his players' faces as they stood in the tunnel ahead of the derby clash at Old Trafford. The Red Devils produced arguably their finest display in months, securing a commanding 2-0 victory over Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, despite seeing three goals chalked off for tight offside decisions.
Strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed a memorable triumph for Carrick on his return to the Old Trafford hot seat. The attacking verve on show proved the ideal tonic following a difficult spell, with Carrick paying tribute to his backroom team of Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion for conveying the game plan, whilst applauding the squad for executing it with such speed and precision.
Related articles
"The players left the changing room unbelievably desperate to do well," Carrick explained. "I was thinking, don't be too desperate where it can cloud your judgment and you make decisions that you make because you're emotionally so invested in it.
"I thought they got the balance so right and the supporters were incredible. I said yesterday this can be a magical place, and it does some funny things, and today to get that feeling is exactly what we want. Hopefully, just to start something we need to build on.
"We're not getting carried away massively, but you've got to enjoy the feeling certainly when you get it. "
United generated an expected goals (xG) figure of 3.8 against City in what proved to be a dominant derby performance, with Amad, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount all having strikes chalked off.
It represented a stunning tactical accomplishment following just three training sessions at Carrington, and Carrick was thrilled to witness the squad embrace his methods so readily."
"I just think the boys have shown me that they're really willing to listen and learn, as I said, [they're] almost desperate," he explained.
"They want it so much and the willingness to take the information on and change things a little bit and be willing to adapt.
Michael Carrick celebrates with Matheus Cunha
Michael Carrick celebrates with Matheus Cunha (Image: Getty)
"We obviously put a game plan and a strategy together that tried to achieve certain things and everyone played their part in the end. Before the game, I spoke with the coaches, and we said the boys were in a good place.
"We were quite happy with the days we prepared for it. Emotionally, where the boys were, I was quite happy with that leading into the game, but then City are an unbelievable team with talent and they can rotate and change things, so there's a plan and then you've got to go plan B and C and work around it.
"So you never really know how the game is going to go, but for it to pan out like that, the boys were fantastic to the heart, I say, in so many ways. And to manage it emotionally with the information we've given them and pulling it together, yeah, it was pretty good."
Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy