Roy Keane and Daniel Sturridge praise Michael Carrick’s style following 2-0 win over Man City | OneFootball

Manchester United enjoyed a resounding 2-0 win over bitter rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford this afternoon.

It was the perfect way for Michael Carrick to announce himself as the new interim head coach, with the fans erupting in jubilation at the final whistle while Sir Alex Ferguson was gleaming.

Throughout the fast-paced encounter, Man United hardly put a foot wrong, and it largely seemed due to Carrick’s intelligent management.

A tactical masterclass

While putting Bryan Mbeumo up front and Patrick Dorgu as left-winger rather than left-back may have been unconventional, these moves certainly paid off as both grabbed goals to hand United the victory.

Bruno Fernandes looked at ease in his preferred role as a central attacking midfielder, while the centre-back partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez was impenetrable.

What’s more, Carrick’s substitutions were almost instantly impactful. Matheus Cunha provided an assist to Dorgu minutes after coming onto the pitch, while Mason Mount scored with his first touch of the match, only to be ruled offside.

While the fans were elated at the final whistle, some former players also expressed their admiration for Carrick on his debut.

A unanimous verdict

“I said before the game, and I say it now, why not give him an opportunity?” Daniel Sturridge said of Carrick when asked about whether he could become United’s permanent manager.

“You could argue that there will be bigger names available. If he builds something in these next 17 games, what would be the point of bringing someone else in?” the former Liverpool player argued.

“Give him an opportunity. He might grow into becoming a top-level coach,” he continued.

“Today was a performance that you look at, and you go, listen, if this man can build something, he deserves it for me,” Sturridge exclaimed.

When asked if he would keep Carrick on, United legend Roy Keane joked, “I’d give him what he wants, sign the contract,” before deciding to turn down the temperature.

“Timing and a bit of luck, they have made the most of it. Take nothing away from him – but everyone just calm down,” Keane advised.

“Let’s judge it over the next few months. The key for him is trying to get momentum in the team. He is an English coach; the English media will be pushing for him. He has done well today, but let’s see how he does.”

Nevertheless, as Keane remarked, this win could give United plenty of belief as they chase UEFA Champions League qualification next season.

featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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