By our reporter 17.1.2026
Manchester United fans waited for three years to celebrate a derby win against Manchester City and it was a delight for them watching a Michael Carrick rejuvenated side dominate their city rivals with a 2-0 win.
It was a dream start for the former United midfielder and captain who will manage the club till the end of the season after Ruben Amorim was sacked in December. Carrick had a brief spell when Ole Gunnar Solksjaer was sacked in 2021.
Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu scored to give United a deserved victory after City failed to find their rhythm and they were lucky to have three other goals ruled offside, while Amad Diallo hit the upright after going clear on goal; Harry Maguire’s header also hit the cross bar. City also have to thank Gianluigi Donnarumma for the excellent saves he made in the first half. It would have been a more embarrassing defeat.
City are yet to win in four league games this year, they fall six points behind Arsenal playing Nottingham Forest.
“The better team won,” said Guardiola. “We weren’t at the level required to win this game.
“In many departments, we weren’t there. They were better. They had an energy we didn’t have.”
United defender Lisandro Martinez noted that the fans at Old Trafford played a role in the big win.
“One important thing that Michael Carrick said (was) use the energy of the people. We did it,” said Martinez.
“When we are together like this, it is impossible to lose at home.”