Michael Carrick revived Manchester United’s season with his first game in charge. Are there really only 16 matches left?
It is amazing how quickly the mood can turn. The loss to Brighton in the FA Cup felt like the worst moment of Manchester United’s season, totally directionless.
The subsequent appointment of Michael Carrick until the end of the season is not a long-term plan, but it was a plan that the fanbase could understand and get behind.
United’s players blew everybody away with their performance in the Manchester Derby against City, with the 2-0 win feeling more like a 5-0 battering.
It wasn’t just the players who were rejuvenated. The crowd responded, and the mood among supporters has suddenly flipped around.
TalkingPoints TV: Was that the BEST Manchester Derby EVER?
Where does the Michael Carrick-led demolition of City rank for you?
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Manchester United fans respond
Manchester United fans have been giving their reactions to the win over City on our TalkingPoints platform.
One fan claims he knew it would be a successful game after watching Bruno Fernandes lead the team out.
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“When I saw the 11 MU players marched into the field, I somehow knew we gonna win this game. The confidence of the captain and self belief in his face proved it all.”
Another supporter compared the performance to a display from one of the great Sir Alex Ferguson teams, the highest possible compliment for Michael Carrick.
“Manchester United was outstanding against City on Saturday they became prime Manchester United from 2007/2008 season City just had only one shot on target it was a brilliant performance from Manchester United it was a joy to watch.”
Michael Carrick points at Matheus Cunha after Manchester United win.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Another supporter praised the smart tactical plan implemented by Michael Carrick, and spoke of the joy of seeing Manchester United play like that again.
“Think Michael Carrick used great technical nous. Sold it to the players well. Shows what a team can do when they are all of the same will to win and carry out the plan. I am 83 years old and was starting to think we were never going to be the team I have loved and followed since a boy.”
A further comment expressed excitement about the further matches to come, with two of United’s next three games at home, adding that this result proved former boss Ruben Amorim was never the right man for the job.
“The fear factor will soon be back at Old Trafford. Couldn’t buy a home win at Old Trafford under Amorin, even playing against 10 man Everton.
“To the people who wanted Amorim to be given more time, maybe it’s time to accept he was never the right man for United !”
The votes are in and Bruno Fernandes is our Man Of The Match vs City
An absolute class act!
Bruno Fernandes MOTM graphic
Getty Images
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High hopes ahead
The win ended up taking Manchester United to end the weekend in fifth place in the Premier League table, having begun it in seventh place.
One fan wrote: “We can surely have hope that Carrick will navigate our team to the top four with ease. We have no pressure unlike other teams that have to balance their players in the many games they have.”
Another supporter added simply: “Manchester United is going to get back at the top of the table.”
A further message urged a little caution, looking ahead to some of the matches on the fixture list for next month. Not every opponent will defend as naively as City did.
“I’m trying so hard not to get carried away with Carrick, but you have to admit that was a great performance. The real test will come when we play Fulham and West Ham – we need to prove we can show that kind of performance against a low block, where we are the favourites.”
It’s clear that the mood among fans has turned around, and this win has given belief back. With the supporters roaring the team on, there is a great chance of ending this season on a high.
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