Manchester United’s revival stirs city as Carrick’s side climb to third before Bournemouth | OneFootball

After a decade in Manchester City's slipstream, Manchester United, now third in the Premier League, have rekindled belief before Friday's 21:00 trip to Bournemouth. Billboards proclaim 'Bring the fire' for the 28 March women's derby, United third hosting leaders City.

United were seventh after 21 matches, 17 behind Arsenal and 11 off City. After beating their neighbours 2-0 at Old Trafford on 17 January, they are now third, seven behind City, and talking again of a return to the top table.

Since Michael Carrick's appointment on 13 January, it is seven wins in nine and only a 0-1 defeat at Newcastle. Matchdays feel big again around Old Trafford.

Supporters talk of a renaissance. Season-ticket holder Andy, a guide at the National Football Museum, says United red still outnumbers City blue in town.

Daniel Taylor strikes a note of caution, calling it the classic new-manager bounce and recalling a similar surge under Solskjaer in 2019. He adds the football is not especially pretty, nor City's either.

Off the pitch, United have tempted senior figures from across town. In 2024 Omar Berrada left City to become United's chief executive, and a year later Stephen Torpey moved from City's academy to run United's. "I think, given my role, I am living the pinnacle of youth football," he said, the Manchester Evening News reported on Wednesday. Whether that heralds a lasting shift remains to be seen.

Source: L'Équipe