Carrick’s United stun Manchester City 2-0 as Mbeumo and Dorgu strikes dent title race | OneFootball

Michael Carrick’s return to the Manchester United dugout could hardly have begun more emphatically as his side swept aside Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford to deliver another jolt to the Premier League title race.

On a day when United needed clarity and conviction, Carrick’s interim appointment brought both in abundance as the hosts outplayed their rivals and reignited belief inside a revitalised stadium.

Second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu capped a performance that suggested a sharp break from the recent malaise and hinted that business at Old Trafford will not continue as before.

The scoreline flattered City, who were repeatedly opened up by United’s pace and intensity and survived a heavier defeat only thanks to a series of fine saves and marginal offside calls.

City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was their standout performer, denying Dorgu, Amad Diallo, Casemiro and Mbeumo during a first half that United largely controlled.

United also saw three goals ruled out for offside across the contest, while Diallo struck the post late on as City struggled to cope with sustained pressure.

The breakthrough arrived on 64 minutes when a Harry Maguire header sparked a swift counter-attack led by Bruno Fernandes, who timed his pass perfectly for Mbeumo to finish low past Donnarumma.

Old Trafford erupted as Carrick celebrated wildly on the touchline, with the sense growing that a statement was being made far beyond a single derby result.

United doubled their lead soon after when Matheus Cunha’s introduction paid instant dividends, his delivery allowing Dorgu to dart in front of Rico Lewis and turn the ball in off the post.

From that point, City looked devoid of answers, with Erling Haaland once again well marshalled and extending his run to one goal in seven matches.

Haaland’s substitution late on was greeted with ironic cheers from the home crowd, while Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure in the dugout.

United’s defensive discipline was equally notable, with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez excelling as City failed to generate sustained momentum.

The clean sheet was only United’s third of the league season, yet it felt richly deserved given their organisation and aggression.

Carrick’s midfield pairing of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro provided control and balance, allowing Fernandes to dictate transitions with authority.

The victory lifts United provisionally into the top four and gives Carrick another significant success as an interim manager at the club.

More broadly, the result delivers a damaging blow to City’s title challenge, leaving them unable to close the gap on leaders Arsenal.

With Mikel Arteta’s side still to play later today, the initiative firmly rests with the Gunners, who now have the chance to extend their advantage at the summit.