Interim boss Michael Carrick’s reign off to perfect start as Man United stun rivals Man City 2-0; defender Martinez reveals coach urged team to use fans’s energy to prevail
Manchester United players celebrate their second goal against Manchester City on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images
Manchester United gave Michael Carrick the dream start to his interim tenure as manager on Saturday, beating Manchester City 2-0 to deal a huge blow to their local rivals’s English Premier League title aspirations.
The Red Devils dominated at Old Trafford and were only made to wait until the final 25 minutes to seal victory by the inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma and because they had three goals ruled out for offside. Bryan Mbeumo marked his return from the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) by firing home the opening goal (65th min) before Patrick Dorgu (76th min) sealed just a second win in eight games for United.
Lisandro Martinez
Victory lifts Carrick’s men into the top four (35 points in 22 games). The result also means that the English coach is unbeaten across four games in his overall record as Red Devils manager — Carrick had previously managed the team on an interim basis for three games in 2021.
United centre-back Lisandro Martinez attributed the win to Carrick’s message in the dressing room. “One important thing Michael Carrick said was, ‘Use the energy of the people.’ Today we did that. When we are together like this, it’s impossible to lose at home. [It’s an] unbelievable result. To be here with our people, with the fans… we have really suffered this season, but the only way is to show who we really are. Today was the best moment to do it and everyone — not just the players on the pitch — was part of that.”
For much of the match City looked toothless. Their only complaint with the result could be Diogo Dalot avoiding a send-off after a poor tackle on Jeremy Doku in the eleventh minute. Ahead of the encounter, Guardiola had admitted the injuries to key defenders — Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol — left the vulnerable, and that certainly proved to be the case on Saturday. However, of equal worry would be star striker Erling Haaland’s apparent loss of form. The Norwegian has now only scored one goal in his last five EPL games.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
