Carrick’s Manchester United found a spark. Now comes the real test. | OneFootball

The phrase ‘Manchester United DNA’ has been bandied around a lot since Michael Carrick took over as interim head coach at Old Trafford. The decorated former midfielder supposedly had it. He’d been part of a Sir Alex Ferguson side that oozed it. And he was the man to bring it back.

None of the pundits could properly define what ‘Manchester United DNA’ actually was. But they were unanimous that Ruben Amorim’s monotonous side didn’t have it.

Manchester Derby Shows Red Devils DNA in Full Flow

On Saturday, at the Theatre of Dreams, we saw as clear an example of that Red Devils gene as you’re ever likely to get.

In a 4-2-3-1 with width and pace, Carrick’s Manchester United shredded Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City with a swashbuckling display that stirred dormant memories of what football at Old Trafford used to look like. More than 70,000 inside suddenly remembered: Oh yeah. This is what it feels like to enjoy watching my team. Old Trafford crackled with a verve not heard for far too long.

Attacking players pouring forward like the Red Arrows gave a brutal new perspective on what United fans have been forced to endure in recent years.

Man United 2–0 Man City: Scoreline Flattered the Champions

The manner of the 2-0 win, in a derby already written off by some ex-players, was the most striking part. Manchester United had three more goals ruled out for marginal offsides, hit the woodwork twice and were denied by at least two world-class saves from City’s man of the match, Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Had this game – full of gritty defending and confident rondos around City’s flailing midfield – finished 5-0, it would have flattered the visitors.

Carrick’s Warning vs Fans’ Dreams

“It’s one game and it’s really important we don’t get carried away,” Carrick warned after the match.

Sensible advice for the dressing room and his staff. For the fans, entirely optional. What is football for if not getting carried away after a statement win by a returning hero against your city rivals?

Let them dream that a dismal season can be salvaged: more thrilling performances, a late surge into the Champions League places, and a win at the Emirates this weekend…

‘Champions-elect Arsenal, beaten only twice all season, at their place? Pah. No problem. We’ll swat ’em like flies.’

Can Manchester United Beat Arsenal at the Emirates?

Last week I wrote that success for Carrick would be to prove this Manchester United team could still compete and restore a measure of optimism to the fanbase.

He has already taken a giant stride down that perilous path. There is now a belief – misguided or not – that United can go to the Emirates and get a result. Few would have entertained that a fortnight ago.

Of course, United might go there and get walloped. But if they play with the same verve, energy and commitment, the excitement among supporters will survive any setback.

Where Was This Football Under Ruben Amorim?

Where, then, has this confident football been hiding?

Fingers will be pointed at players who went missing during Ruben Amorim’s 14 months in charge. But it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that the Portuguese coach’s system and tactics simply failed to get the best from them.

It’s too neat to say Carrick just took the handbrake off, but his setup clearly gave the players more freedom in attack. The flicks and tricks spoke of a renewed joy and confidence.

Carrick’s Tactics And Standout Performances

In possession, United were a 4-2-3-1; out of possession, a 4-4-2. Carrick made the big call to bench striker Benjamin Šeško and forward Matheus Cunha.

Bryan Mbeumo led the line on his return from the African Cup of Nations and Patrick Dorgu started on the left instead of Cunha. Both Dorgu and Mbeumo scored.

Bruno Fernandes was restored to his preferred No.10 role and ran the game, turning in a captain’s performance that brought an assist and a goal, narrowly ruled out for offside.

Harry Maguire returned with a magnificent display at centre-back and Kobbie Mainoo started in midfield. Marginalised under Amorim and short of minutes, the pressure on the 20-year-old was intense. He rose to it, showing his trademark close control and knack for nicking back possession.

Out wide, Dorgu and Amad Diallo grafted tirelessly to protect full-backs Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot from two of the trickiest wingers in the league, Jérémy Doku and Antoine Semenyo.

Carrick’s Next Test: Arsenal Away and the Return of Manchester United DNA

Carrick got every big call right against Manchester City. He’ll need to do it again against Arsenal if Manchester United are to get a result.

If he does, then the fans won’t just be talking about Manchester United DNA. They’ll be daring to believe the old days might actually be on their way back.

Image: @optajoe/x

If Carrick can marry attacking abandon with the kind of resilience required at the Emirates, then this won’t just be a nostalgic one-off, it will feel like the start of something.

Arsenal away is exactly the sort of fixture where the legend of ‘Manchester United DNA’ has to be made real: courage on the ball, ruthlessness in transition, and a refusal to wilt when the pressure comes. 

Pass that test and United fans will travel home from north London convinced that, at long last, their club is starting to look and feel like Manchester United again.