Manchester United created a big shock at Old Trafford when they defeated Manchester City with a score of 2-0, in Michael Carrick's first match as acting head coach.
Appointed on Tuesday, Carrick quickly left his mark when witnessing his team play overwhelmingly against the opponent competing for the Premier League title. The "Red Devils" won thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu, in the context that they still put the ball into Man City's net three times but were not recognized for offside.
Contrary to the home team's initiative, Pep Guardiola's team was almost deadlocked for 90 minutes and only launched one shot on target. This defeat caused Man City to extend their unbeaten streak in the Premier League to 4 consecutive matches, thereby creating conditions for Arsenal to increase the gap in the championship race.
On Man United's side, 3 important points help them consolidate their position in the group competing for tickets to the UEFA Champions League, before the challenging away match at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal next weekend.
For Carrick, this is an unparalleled start. The 44-year-old strategist left Old Trafford amidst loud cheers from the Stretford End stands, closing two turbulent weeks since Ruben Amorim was sacked and Darren Fletcher's short spell.
A perfect start for Carrick
Carrick can hardly expect more from his debut match as interim head coach.
Right from the moment he stepped out of the tunnel, the former Man United midfielder continuously called on the Old Trafford stands to add more fire to the team and he received what he wanted. Fans responded with the most enthusiastic atmosphere since the FA Cup 2024 final under Erik ten Hag, also against Man City.
Although only having 3 days of working with the players, Carrick's mark has become very clear. For many years, every time facing Man City, Man United was often completely inferior and almost unable to approach the opponent. But this time is different.
The home team entered the game with high intensity, continuously putting pressure on City's young defense. Right in the opening minutes, Max Alleyne twice missed a pass to the wing under direct pressure, signaling a difficult afternoon for the away team. Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo constantly approached Rodri, breaking the familiar deployment rhythm of the defensive midfielder who was very calm on The Citizens' side.
The only thing missing in the first half was a goal. Man United put the ball into the net twice but were both rejected for offside. After the break, the final difference finally came.
The 2-0 victory is the result that accurately reflects the game, but on a better finishing day, the score could completely be 4-0 or even 5-0 for Man United.
The 4-man defense is the right choice for Man United
The nightmare with Man United's 3-center-back system has finally closed. Defense pillars such as Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have shown why the 4-defender formation is still the most suitable choice for this team.
Amorim appears rigid to the point of being almost conservative with a 3-4-3 formation. During his 14 months in charge, he only used the 4-man defense once. However, Man United has never been really comfortable with that system. Matches often end with patchwork adjustments in the defense, making players even more chaotic instead of stable.
Against Man City, Carrick brought everything back to its familiar foundation: a traditional 4-defender formation, with Maguire pairing with Martinez in the center of the defense. This duo played solidly, controlled the space well and continuously broke opponents' intrusions.
That certainty almost neutralized Erling Haaland, to the point that Pep Guardiola was forced to withdraw the Norwegian striker from the field when the match had about 10 minutes left. The influence from the new coaching staff - including Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate - may have begun to appear. But above all, it was Maguire and Martinez's experience and situation reading ability that helped the 4-man defense system operate smoothly against a Man City full of firepower.
Clearly, we have goals to achieve in the match and the players have tried their best, but tactics is one thing, words are another. You have to express it and make it a reality, making the match lively and everything today is perfect.
Listen, I won't say too much because I respect Pep Guardiola, he is an excellent, extraordinary coach and they are a very strong team. So, I don't have the right to criticize them publicly.
I think I want the players to develop their strengths. We need to play tightly and need to narrow the gap between the lines and between positions as much as possible" - Carrick said after the match.
