Carrick Revitalizes United in Key Derby Victory Against City

On Friday, Michael Carrick responded to concerns about Manchester United becoming soulless, firmly rejecting the notion and asserting that the club still possesses significant magic.

This reassurance came at a crucial time for both fans and players, particularly following the criticisms directed at the previous coach, Ruben Amorim. With the unwavering support of the fans, Carrick was able to harness that magic effectively.

Despite having only three days to train at Carrington, Carrick motivated the players to exert themselves more than they had under their predecessor, or during Darren Fletcher’s brief tenure. United displayed a level of pressing not seen since Erik ten Hag’s initial season, relentlessly attacking City after taking the lead and pursuing a third goal, despite three disallowed strikes for offside.

The former United midfielder made several bold decisions regarding the starting lineup, which ultimately proved effective. He reintroduced Kobbie Mainoo, previously sidelined under Amorim, and the team exhibited greater fluidity than they had throughout much of the season. Carrick successfully integrated both Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo into the squad, maximizing their potential, along with Patrick Dorgu, who excelled on the left flank. The decision to bench Matheus Cunha seemed to ignite a competitive spirit in him, as he made a substantial impact upon his introduction, assisting Dorgu’s goal after Mbeumo had given United the lead.

While Carrick is aware that United will seek a top-tier coach during the summer, his record in charge thus far—one draw and three wins against notable opponents including Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery—has been impressive.

The club had long awaited progress under Amorim, but after 14 months of stagnation marked by his inflexible approach and disappointing results, they opted for a change. In stark contrast, Carrick required just one match to elicit a strong response from his players.

The style of play adopted under Carrick was markedly different. United maintained only 32 percent possession, adopting a more conservative approach while exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. However, this strategy was aggressive in nature, characterized by a targeted pressing plan that allowed them to capitalize on moments of vulnerability from City. This fast-paced football is what United fans had been longing for, a stark departure from what they had experienced under the previous manager.

Some might argue that Amorim was unfortunate to lose key players Amad and Mbeumo for a month, and Bruno Fernandes for three matches during a critical spell that led to his dismissal. However, it should be noted that he had access to these players during the first four months of the season, and there was only one notable phase of success—three consecutive victories against Sunderland, Liverpool, and Brighton in October.

Observing Fernandes thrive in a more attacking role, alongside Amad as a wide forward instead of a wing-back, highlighted the limitations of Amorim’s system and reinforced the decision of United’s hierarchy to part ways with him.

This was the Fernandes that United supporters had yearned to see—liberated from a deep-lying midfield role to exert influence further up the pitch. His performance was instrumental in securing United’s first home derby win against City since January 2023, where he had played a pivotal role in a passionate and contentious 2-1 victory.

Fernandes orchestrated United’s attacking efforts, with all significant plays flowing through him. He contributed to the team’s first two disallowed goals, assisting Amad for one and narrowly being offside for another. While these goals did not count, they instilled confidence in the team that they could overcome City. When United finally took the lead, it was Fernandes who was pivotal in the build-up, sprinting upfield after receiving a flick from Mbeumo and deftly setting up his teammate for the goal.

Carrick expressed immense gratitude for his captain’s performance, praising his tactical awareness and ability to occupy space effectively while fulfilling a disciplined defensive role to bolster the team’s stability. “He made the difference,” Carrick stated, emphasizing Fernandes’ quality and adaptability in his position.

In contrast, Pep Guardiola noted earlier this week that Erling Haaland was “exhausted,” and his performance against United certainly reflected that. This outing starkly contrasted with Haaland’s dominant display in the previous derby at the Etihad Stadium, where he had five shots, scored twice, and hit the woodwork.

In this match, he managed only two attempts, none of which reached the goal, and was marked out of the game by Martinez and Harry Maguire. Over 80 minutes, Haaland recorded just 14 touches, struggling to find space behind United’s defense.

Haaland’s explosive start to the season has seemingly taken a toll on him. He has played all 22 Premier League matches, averaging 86 minutes per game, and has had little opportunity for rest. Recently, he started his first Carabao Cup match in four seasons against Newcastle and even featured against Exeter City, albeit without scoring in the 10-1 thrashing of the League One side.

Concerns about Haaland’s diminishing scoring form are mounting, as he has netted only once in his last seven matches—a penalty against Brighton—with his last goal from open play dating back to the weekend before Christmas against West Ham. City has had limited chances to rest Haaland, largely due to Omar Marmoush’s extended stay at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt reaching the semi-finals.

Marmoush is expected to return for next Saturday’s match against Wolves, but it is likely that Haaland would prefer to play, particularly against a weaker opponent that presents a prime opportunity to break his scoring drought.

Phil Foden typically shines in derby matches but struggled this time, being substituted after a lackluster first half. Given his recent uninspiring performances, he was fortunate to start, likely due to his impressive record against United. However, he failed to make an impact, unable to connect effectively with Haaland. Instead, it was Jeremy Doku who attempted to create opportunities against a surprisingly resilient United defense.

Foden appeared to be physically affected when he left the pitch at halftime, but Guardiola was quick to clarify that it was a tactical decision rather than an injury concern.

As City prepares for their next matchup against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday, it will be intriguing to see what choices Guardiola makes regarding Foden’s involvement, as he is close to being benched.

Meanwhile, Marc Guehi was free to watch the derby from home, having received permission to sit out Crystal Palace’s game while awaiting his imminent transfer to City. He might have felt both relief and concern as he observed a City defense vulnerable to counter-attacks, but he could also see an opportunity to quickly establish himself as a hero at the Etihad.

Guehi is set to join a City team currently missing their top three central defenders: Josko Gvardiol is out for the remainder of the season, Ruben Dias may be sidelined for another month, and John Stones’ return timeline remains uncertain as his contract status hangs in the balance.

Nathan Ake, also injury-prone, struggled against Amad, while Max Alleyne is a young player in his first senior season, recently recalled from a loan at Watford due to extraordinary circumstances. Although Guehi may need to wait until next year to claim his first Premier League title with City, he will undoubtedly provide an immediate upgrade to a defense that appeared disoriented against their fiercest rivals.