Former player Michael Carrick started his short tenure as Manchester United’s interim manager in style. Last weekend, he guided his side to a stunning 2-0 win at Etihad Stadium over Manchester City in the 198th Manchester derby. The premier matchup on Saturday at Old Trafford. Carrick made a dream start to his managerial career, quickly rejuvenating the club and their supporters following his appointment just six weeks earlier.
The victory is Carrick’s first in charge. Because he just signed a new contract that lasts through 2019. He at least has 17 matches going forward to prove that he’s worth of it. This is his opportunity to make the case to the club’s hierarchy that he deserves a permanent managerial role.
Carrick’s team served up a performance filled with attacking vibrancy. Early in the match, Harry Maguire came close to scoring, heading the ball against the crossbar within the first three minutes. Even after two goals ruled out for offside prior to halftime, United continued to threaten their opponents.
During the second half, United finally found a way through City’s rearguard. Bryan Mbeumo scored first after being found with a stunning ball by Bruno Fernandes. Mbeumo took a hard left-footed shot. It curled sharply into the far corner of the net, sending the home supporters into rapture.
Then, late on, Mason Mount looked to have scored the winner only for his shot to be adjudged offside just before full time. Patrick Dorgu capped United’s win with an impressive second goal. This shot set the tone for their continued supremacy over their crosstown rivals.
Post-match, Carrick said he was proud of his players. He credited them for sticking to tactical discipline and for managing their emotions during the match.
“I couldn’t ask for any more. The boys took everything on tactically and dealt with it emotionally,” – Michael Carrick
Even Manchester United fans were filled with masochistic glee at the result. They had all been longing for an artistic shot in the arm after going through an awful stretch. Carrick’s beaming smile as he congratulated his players at the final whistle spoke volumes about his satisfaction with their performance.
City’s Bernardo Silva reflected on the match, recognizing United’s superior energy and intention. He admitted that his team fought hard to stay ahead of their competition.
“They deserved to win today. They had more energy and intention. It always felt like they were close to score and we were never there,” – Bernardo Silva
Lisandro Martinez, one of United’s most consistent performers this season, credited Carrick with harnessing the supporters’ energy. He’s convinced this approach is central to their success.
“One important thing that Michael Carrick said is to use the energy of the fans, and today we did it,” – Lisandro Martinez
Despite a rocket-fueled launch to his tenure, Carrick took a sober approach. In his response, he said that while it had been a “special” day, he was not overjoyed by one good day.
