Manchester United triumph over Manchester City in Carrick’s debut
Manchester United emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday, marking a successful start for Michael Carrick as interim manager, reports BritPanorama.
Desperate for their first win of 2026 following two draws and a defeat in previous matches, United delivered a spirited performance. The goals came from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu, with the team asserting control throughout the encounter.
Lisandro Martinez provided a solid defensive display, successfully negating the threat posed by City’s Erling Haaland. The Argentina international’s efforts were pivotal in a match that promised to be a tough test for the home side.
Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Martinez reflected on Carrick’s impactful words in the dressing room, stating, “One important thing Michael Carrick said was: use the energy of the people. Today I think we did it. When we are together it is impossible to lose at home.” He emphasized the unity and resilience the team displayed despite a challenging season.
Martinez downplayed any focus on his individual performance, noting the collective effort required to face formidable opponents like City. “When you play against this kind of players, the team defends. Not just one or two players. Today we defended so well,” he remarked, highlighting a shared energy among the squad.
The match saw early chances for United, including a header from Harry Maguire that hit the crossbar. Despite dominating possession, United encountered strong resistance from City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who produced several crucial saves.
The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when Mbeumo capitalized on a pinpoint assist from Bruno Fernandes to score. Just eleven minutes later, Dorgu secured the win with a powerful shot, following excellent build-up play from substitute Matheus Cunha.
Looking ahead, United will face Arsenal next Sunday, and questions abound whether this triumph can indicate a turning point in their season or merely signify another fleeting moment of success amidst ongoing struggles.
In the world of football, where hope often dances with despair, this match stands as a reminder that in the sport, energy can be the decisive factor, capable of igniting a revival — or prolonging the wait for redemption.
