Michael Carrick's United beat Manchester City 2-0 as Bruno Fernandes excels

Goal reports Michael Carrick's interim side stunned Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford as United produced a passionate derby performance.

Carrick, who had three days to work with the squad at Carrington, won widespread praise from former players and pundits and got an immediate reaction from the current team. United had just 32 percent possession but pressed aggressively, saw three strikes ruled out for offside and featured players Carrick reinstated — Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo — while Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha made telling contributions off the bench.

The result produced clear winners and losers: Carrick and Bruno Fernandes, with Carrick saying, "I thought he was fantastic, the way he played the position," contrasted with Ruben Amorim, whose 14-month spell had failed to deliver. Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Phil Foden struggled — Haaland had two attempts and 14 touches and has scored only once in his last seven games, while Foden was withdrawn at half-time — and Marc Guehi, who has an imminent move to City, could provide reinforcements amid key absences including Josko Gvardiol (out for the rest of the season), Ruben Dias (potentially sidelined for another month) and an uncertain return date for John Stones; Carrick says the club will look for an elite coach in the summer.

Key Topics

Sports, Michael Carrick, Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Manchester City, Ruben Amorim