Wayne Rooney’s key themes that make up the so-called ‘Manchester United DNA’ were clear as day in one of Michael Carrick’s star players against Manchester City.
The 40-year-old legendary former Manchester United striker was in awe at his former Red Devils and England teammate’s exploits in the derby at the weekend.
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Michael Carrick took his place in the Old Trafford hot seat for the first time on Saturday afternoon for Man Utd’s massive encounter with Manchester City.
The 44-year-old United legend had the last laugh over City manager Pep Guardiola after the Red Devils blew their crosstown rivals out of the water in the clash.
Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for Man Utd against City in the second half before the Red Devils pulled away even further after Patrick Dorgu netted.
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Michael Carrick issues instructions to Patrick Dorgu during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Wayne Rooney reveals what he thinks Man Utd’s DNA is after Michael Carrick’s men defeated Man City
Michael Carrick’s tactics resulted in a major pivot for the Red Devils and moved Manchester United away from the tactical system of ex-club boss Ruben Amorim.
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The Man Utd interim boss shifted to a four-man backline and adopted the use of wingers, scrapping the approach of Ruben Amorim with two No 10s and wing-backs.
Carrick’s approach paid off in dividends and United fans were treated to an electrifying performance at Old Trafford in Saturday’s Premier League clash.
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Speaking on his podcast, Wayne Rooney said: “You can feel it from the fans as well, the difference in energy from the team, the confidence, the belief, the composure on the ball at the right times.
“It was night and day from what we’ve been seeing, so it was such a good day.”
Rooney’s analysis of Carrick’s Man Utd side had him discuss the club’s ‘DNA’ and some of the all-important factors that make up the core identity of the Red Devils.
“It reminded me, when we talk about Man United’s DNA, that was it… Work hard, run for your teammate, get back into shape, be hard to play against – [and then] when you get an opportunity run forward,” he continued on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show.
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Lisandro Martinez is the embodiment of Wayne Rooney’s Man Utd DNA and Michael Carrick’s man showed it vs Man City
Lisandro Martinez was the rock that held the four-man backline together for Carrick’s first match in charge as interim head coach in the 2025-26 Premier League season.
The 28-year-old Argentine defender had Manchester City striker Erling Haaland ‘pocketed’ and remained cool and calm as ever in the defensive set-up.
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Lisandro Martinez comments made towards Paul Scholes after the Manchester derby.
Credit: Getty Images.
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Lisandro Martinez played the full 90 minutes against City and his partnership with Harry Maguire contributed to Senne Lammens keeping a clean sheet for the Red Devils.
The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo were all rightfully praised, but Martinez did what Rooney expected from a Man Utd DNA-coded player.
To keep Erling Haaland well and truly out of the match is a feat in itself, but Martinez’s presence instilled confidence in Man Utd fans over their lead in the match.
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