Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Michael Carrick is not happy after Manchester United’s derby defeat after an incredibly controversial offside goal handed Manchester City all three points.
It was a very eventful derby as Manchester United lost 1-0 to City, but all the discussions around the match are focused on the decisions made by referee Michael Oliver and the VAR team.
First, there was the Phil Foden red card, with Bruno Fernandes avoiding a yellow. But then City’s winner was completely offside, but allowed to count anyway, against all logic and rules.
Post-match, there has been fury, but Michael Carrick will realise he really has no defence against the defeat.
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Michael Carrick has no defence for Manchester United defeat
After the game, Lisandro Martinez was livid with the decision for Erling Haaland’s goal to count, while Carrick shared similar sentiments.
Carrick said, “The explanation I got is he wasn’t interfering with play. I just don’t get it.
“We try to help referees to come up with the right decisions, it’s that how the rules are interpreted. On top of that, where they drew the line was a bit dubious. It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by the officials.”
Obviously, it was a horrendous call, and answers are needed. But over the course of 96 minutes or so, Carrick really has no leg to stand on because his United side didn’t do anywhere near enough to win the game, VAR decision or not.
It was a worrying performance that saw United look worse against 10 players. With City down a man, United didn’t take advantage, creating nothing until Bryan Mbeumo missed a one-on-one in the final minute.
The only other chances came as United hit the post through Marcus Rashford and then Kobbie Mainoo, both from outside the box. Most concerning, however, is that the problem isn’t new.
An inability to break down low-blocks and defences with any structure sitting deep has long been an issue, and despite Carrick having players to combat this, he hasn’t made much of a change at all.
From the 7th to the 95th minute, United had 0.04 expected goals on target according to xG Philosophy, which is just unacceptable against 10 men and what is a poor City side.
So, despite the rightful anger at the VAR decision, Carrick cannot defend how poor his side was, not deserving to win anyway.
The game was there for the taking, but United just didn’t have the system or idea to take it.
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Carrick is treading the same path as Ruben Amorim
Losing 1-0 at home to a side with 10 men is a familiar feeling for United.
Last November, Ruben Amorim’s side lost 1-0 to Everton, who had been down to 10-men and this was a moment across the fanbase that signalled the beginning of the end.
While it hasn’t reached this stage yet, this feels like a watershed moment for Carrick, of which things will go two ways.
Either he makes changes to the system that solve the issues, or things could unravel quite quickly this season, which would be sad.
Every United fan wants Carrick to succeed, but it is increasingly difficult to see this happening after such a poor start. The next week will be vital; Carrick needs to win both games to avoid a long three-week break with speculation over his future.