Man Utd dominate Man City as Michael Carrick reign begins with win

By Simon Peach, Press Association Chief Football Writer

Michael Carrick enjoyed a dream start to life in the Manchester United hotseat as Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secured a morale-boosting 2-0 derby victory against title-chasing Manchester City.

The 198th competitive meeting of the cross-town rivals saw the side that started the day seventh in the Premier League host second and the Red Devils’ former midfielder, captain and coach take charge for the first time since his return.

Carrick was this week named head coach until the end of the season and oversaw an immediate improvement, with second-half goals from Mbeumo and Dorgu securing United a deserved win against City at a reinvigorated Old Trafford.

It was an impressive all-round display from the hosts, who put a fraught fortnight following Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious exit behind them in style on their way to a first victory since Boxing Day.

Pep Guardiola’s side rarely threatened Carrick’s men, who would have won by more was it not for some impressive Gianluigi Donnarumma saves, the woodwork and three goals being ruled out for offside.

Stuttering title challengers City may well be aggrieved that Diogo Dalot was not sent off for an early challenge on Jeremy Doku, but the red side of Manchester will not care a jot.

Carrick’s delight was clear after Saturday lunchtime’s win, which followed his unbeaten three-game stint as caretaker after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021.