Manchester United dominated their intercity rivals in the derby (Image: Getty)
Michael Carrick achieved one of Manchester United’s best results of the season, scoring a 2-0 derby win against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford. In truth, it should have been more, but after a disastrous few months under Ruben Amorim, it was exactly the antidote the United faithful needed.
Fearing the worst going into the game, United enjoyed a goalless first half and made the most of their opportunities. The home side twice had goals ruled out due to late offside flags, while Harry Maguire hit the crossbar from just six yards out. But Diogo Dalot was lucky to avoid a red card for his tackle on Jeremy Doku, and there was more to it than just a bit of luck, given that Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane admitted he should have been sent off.
They didn’t let up in the second half, as United started with a quick pace and were eventually rewarded with an opening goal in the 65th minute. Brian Mbeumo got behind City’s last line and finished comfortably, before Patrick Dorg added some style to the game 11 minutes later. Express Sport publishes player ratings after United’s derby win.
I didn’t expect it to be such a quiet afternoon against one of the league’s leading scorers, but it was as comfortable as the shot-stopper could have imagined.
He initially hit Doc with a knee high and studs, but VAR did not judge it to be dangerous enough to warrant intervention. It wasn’t a great effort in the final third, but it was a huge blessing for the full-back. He could have easily let his team down and United won despite his efforts.
He was an absolute giant at the back and never had a sniff of Erling Haaland throughout the contest. He was sometimes unfairly criticized throughout his United career, but if this is his last season in red, the Englishman will remember this performance fondly.
The second of a great centre-back partnership and the other who forced Haaland out of the game. He has been forced to wait patiently after a long injury, but well, the Argentine is a big asset this time around.
He looked agitated early in the game and suffered an unnecessary tackle. After receiving an unnecessary yellow card, he resolved it well,
It’s been more than 18 months since Jamie Carragher announced he was stepping away from football, but after such performances the midfielder looks to be getting better with age. He was part of the United midfield that bullied City’s opponents.
Harry Maguire returns to Manchester United and starts (Image: Getty)
And to think that there were reportedly people within the club who wanted to sell him! A sensational performance from the United captain who tormented City throughout the game.
Knocking his socks off in his first Premier League start of the season, he was exactly the player the crowd wanted to see at this frenetic local event.
As usual, the Ivorian was an active runner down the right flank and found some promising positions. Despite his occasional lack of composure, he is a welcome addition to United’s squad.
Who saw this coming? Carrick was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI, but the wing-back played like a proper winger and was the best player on the pitch. He capped off a great performance with a stunning goal.
He has made a huge difference to United’s attack. Thanks to the talent of Gianluigi Donnarumma, the attacker did not find the opening goal right away, but when he was given the chance to break through in the 65th minute of the match, he confidently converted it.
Brian Mbeumo sets Old Trafford on fire (Image: Getty)
He was probably expected to start, but he didn’t hesitate to do his job when he was brought on midway through the second half.
He didn’t stay on the pitch very long, but he almost scored his own goal. He hopes to play a number of games and return to contention for a spot in the World Cup.
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