Michael Carrick got the better of Pep Guardiola in his first Manchester derby as Manchester United head coach.
Manchester United beat Man City 2-0 at Old Trafford to record their first victory of 2026, after drawing to Burnley and Leeds before losing to Brighton in the FA Cup.
It was a special occasion already because Michael Carrick was appointed United’s head coach on Tuesday, giving the 44-year-old just three days to prepare his side to face a side chasing the Premier League title.
United were unlucky not to be ahead at half-time, but Carrick’s side eventually got what they deserved when Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring after 65 minutes.
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City were unable to find a response before Patrick Dorgu doubled United’s lead just 11 minutes later.
This result will go down as a major blow to City’s title chances, but it could have the opposite effect on United as Carrick chases Champions League qualification.
Pep Guardiola at Old Trafford
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Pep Guardiola reacts after Man Utd win the 198th Manchester derby
It’s a fantastic achievement to walk away from your first match as United head coach, against a rival like City, with three points.
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Carrick did that against one of the most celebrated managers in recent Premier League history. The same coach who was responsible for United losing two Champions League finals.
However, it was Carrick who came out on top against Guardiola. City may have kept most possession, but United were the most dangerous team throughout the game.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Guardiola accepted that the better team won the day. It’s an admission that should put a spring in Carrick’s step.
“The better team won,” Guardiola said.
“They were better. When a team is better you have to accept it. They had the energy we didn’t have, so congratulations.
“They had the chances at the end and of course the goals we conceded were poor. We didn’t control but in general we can talk about this action or that action. We have the duty to analyse the game in general and they were better.”
The next step for Carrick’s United is to travel to Arsenal next Sunday.
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Michael Carrick’s record against other Premier League managers
Carrick previously managed United on an interim basis for three matches in 2021.
United were unbeaten for those three matches and recorded wins over Arsenal and Villarreal.
That means Carrick has now beaten Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery and Guardiola whilst in charge of United.
Hopefully, Carrick can beat Arteta for a second time next weekend.
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