Manchester United recorded a 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford, with Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu scoring. Michael Carrick managed his first game as caretaker manager, overseeing a structured and controlled performance from the Red Devils.
Carrick’s First Match at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick returned to Old Trafford as caretaker manager, leading Manchester United in his first match in charge. The team displayed composure and tactical organisation, balancing defensive solidity with attacking movement.
Michael Carrick celebrates with Manchester United players after the 2-0 win over Manchester City. (Source: KSL)
United applied consistent pressure on City throughout the game. The midfield, led by Casemiro and Fernandes, controlled possession while initiating quick attacks when opportunities arose.
Carrick’s instructions ensured that the team remained compact defensively. Young centre-backs Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez handled City’s forward movements effectively, limiting clear goal-scoring chances.
The Red Devils adapted well to City’s possession play. They maintained shape while countering swiftly, which allowed the team to create opportunities and exploit defensive gaps.
Mbeumo Breaks the Deadlock
The first goal arrived in the 65th minute when Bryan Mbeumo converted a precise pass from Bruno Fernandes. United executed a fast counter-attack, creating a two-on-four situation against City’s defenders.
Bryan Mbeumo slots past Donnarumma to give Manchester United the lead in the derby (Source: GettyImages)
Prior to the goal, United had several missed chances, including a header from Maguire that struck the post. The breakthrough ended the period of frustration and allowed United to control the remainder of the match.
Mbeumo’s goal reflected the coordination between midfield and attackers. Fernandes’ vision and timing were crucial in creating the opening, demonstrating United’s ability to exploit defensive vulnerabilities.
Following the goal, United maintained a high tempo. Players moved the ball quickly and pressed aggressively when possession was lost, keeping City under pressure in their own half.
Dorgu Secures Victory
Patrick Dorgu doubled United’s advantage in the 76th minute following a cross from Matheus Cunha. Cunha had been introduced as a substitute for Mbeumo and immediately added width and pace on the right flank.
Patrick Dorgu volleys home after a cross from Matheus Cunha to double United’s lead. (Source: skysports)
Dorgu’s finish came after City failed to cover spaces in the box, leaving him unmarked. The goal confirmed United’s control of the game and effectively ended City’s chances of a comeback.
United’s attacking movements were well-coordinated, with Cunha’s runs providing additional options for Dorgu. The combination of pace and positional awareness allowed United to maintain pressure on City’s defence.
Following the second goal, City attempted to respond but were unable to create clear-cut opportunities. United’s defensive organisation limited space and forced City into wide positions and low-probability shots.
Mount Goal Disallowed
Mason Mount came off the bench late in the match and scored almost immediately. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, which checked the build-up play.
Despite the disallowed goal, Mount’s brief involvement added creativity and options in midfield. His presence provided another passing option and allowed Cunha and Dorgu to exploit spaces on the flanks.
Amad Diallo also threatened in the final minutes. He beat Nathan Ake and curled a shot toward the bottom corner, but the ball struck the post. United continued to press even after Mount’s goal was disallowed.
The offside decision demonstrated the tight margins in play and United’s ability to maintain attacking intensity until the final whistle.
City Struggles to Respond
Manchester City found it difficult to respond to United’s counter-attacking style. Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva were unable to create space against a well-organised United defence.
City attempted multiple substitutions in the 80th minute, including Haaland, Silva, and Doku, for Reijnders, Ait-Nouri, and Mukasa. The changes did not significantly alter the flow of the game or provide immediate attacking impact.
The young defenders, Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne, were repeatedly exposed by United’s quick transitions. United exploited wide areas to create numerical advantages and maintain possession under pressure.
City’s defensive errors contributed to United’s goals. Losses of possession in midfield and slow reactions in defence allowed Mbeumo and Dorgu to convert chances. City could not adjust to the pace and positioning of United’s forwards.
Tactical Approaches
United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Casemiro anchoring the midfield. This setup allowed United to press effectively while maintaining defensive coverage.
City operated in a 4-3-3 formation but struggled to control the midfield. United’s pressing limited passing options, forcing City into rushed decisions and turnovers.
Substitutions played a key role for United. Cunha’s introduction provided width and increased attacking threat, showing the team’s ability to adapt without losing structure.
The Red Devils executed quick counter-attacks, moving the ball from defence to attack in a few passes. The tactical plan ensured City remained stretched and exposed to United’s attacking movements.
Key Match Events
- 65’ – Bryan Mbeumo scores, assisted by Bruno Fernandes.
- 71’ – Mbeumo replaced by Matheus Cunha.
- 76’ – Patrick Dorgu scores following Cunha’s cross.
- 90+2’ – Mason Mount scores but the was ruled out for offside.
- 90+1’ – Amad Diallo hits the post on a counter-attack.
Both teams received several bookings during the match. United’s full-backs, Dalot and Shaw, and City’s Rodri and O’Reilly were booked, reflecting the intensity and competitive nature of the derby.
Post-Match Summary
Manchester United controlled the match and scored twice in the second half, securing a clean sheet in Carrick’s debut. The Red Devils executed counter-attacks efficiently while maintaining defensive organisation.
City struggled to convert opportunities and did not respond effectively to United’s attacking movements. Substitutions by Guardiola did not generate significant offensive threat, leaving City unable to alter the match outcome.
The result strengthens United’s confidence and demonstrates the team’s ability to execute tactical instructions. City, meanwhile, must review defensive performance and attacking options after consecutive matches without victory.
Match Details
- Score: Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
- Goals: Mbeumo 65’, Dorgu 76’
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro (Ugarte), Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Fernandes; Mbeumo (Cunha), Dorgu
- Manchester City (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake; Rodri, Bernardo, Semenyo; Foden (Cherki), Doku, Haaland (Mukasa)
