Manchester United executed Michael Carrick’s game plan perfectly to beat Manchester City in the derby.
The Michael Carrick era could not have started better with Manchester United beating Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford.
In his first appearance since returning from AFCON, Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring from a lightning-quick counter-attack.
Describe your reaction when Bryan Mbeumo scored…
What a moment!
Bryan Mbeumo scores for United
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
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In just three passes, United went from their own box to the back of City’s net. Carrick’s style of play saw United return to a 4-2-3-1 formation with natural wingers and an urgency to press forward.
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates with teammate Amad Diallo during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo is perfect for Man United counter-attacks
With a goal against City now added to his tally, Mbeumo is becoming a big-game player for United, and he has extended his lead as the club’s top scorer in 2025/26.
Bryan Mbeumo’s goal on the weekend was like a flash from the past. Incisive passing, quick movement and a precise finish all wrapped up in a brilliant counter-attacking goal.
As per Opta, only Antoine Semenyo and Mohamed Salah have scored more Premier League goals from fast breaks since the start of last season than Mbeumo’s five.
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Carrick played Mbeumo centrally, and the decision to bench Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha looked like a risk at first, but it turned out to be a stroke of genius.
Michael Carrick has Bryan Mbeumo decision to make vs Arsenal
After beating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, it doesn’t get much easier for Carrick with Arsenal up next.
The trip to North London will see United’s attack go up against the best defence in the Premier League this season.
READ MORE: Michael Carrick’s message to Man United players after beating Man City showed experience beyond his years
Mbeumo made his United debut against Arsenal in the reverse fixture when the Gunners won 1-0 against the run of play.
On Sunday, Carrick will have to decide between keeping Mbeumo as a central striker or moving him out wide. Cunha and Sesko will be eager to start, so there is a selection dilemma brewing for the interim head coach.
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