Carrick revives United’s dogged spirit as Old Trafford crackles in derby win

Michael Carrick has rekindled a dogged spirit at Manchester United as his side defeated Manchester City at Old Trafford, restoring a raucous atmosphere at the ground. On his second turn in charge, Carrick has just 17 games to steer the club and a return to the Champions League looks possible, according to the report.

He urged players to “use the energy of the people,” a rallying call that fed off a vocal Stretford End and unsettled City; Sir Alex Ferguson was pictured smiling while Pep Guardiola appeared haunted, and Erling Haaland left the pitch with about 10 minutes remaining. The match featured several telling moments cited in the piece: Harry Maguire’s header struck the crossbar, Gianluigi Donnarumma twice bailed out his defence and then made a second‑half double save from Amad Diallo and Casemiro, and United pressed and stayed compact to create the better chances.

Young players were prominent—Kobbie Mainoo showed flashes, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo returned from Morocco, and Nico O’Reilly came on as a substitute with only around 30 Premier League appearances to his name—while City’s rebuilding showed signs of strain.

Key Topics

Sports, Michael Carrick, Manchester United, Manchester City, Old Trafford, Pep Guardiola