Gary Neville has identified a fresh duo under Michael Carrick who sent Manchester United fans into wild celebrations in their 2-0 victory over Manchester City.
Manchester United stunned Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City with an impressive 2–0 win at Old Trafford, fully deserving all three points after a strong performance.
Michael Carrick’s side were on the front foot from the opening whistle, creating a number of early chances. Harry Maguire came closest in the opening stages, rattling the crossbar with a powerful header.
United thought they had taken the lead before the break when Amad and Bruno Fernandes both found the net, but each effort was ruled out for offside. Despite that frustration, the hosts continued to carry the greater threat.
After the interval, Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a string of fine saves to deny Casemiro and Bryan Mbeumo, keeping City in the contest. His resistance was eventually broken on 65 minutes, however, as the Cameroonian forward, freshly back from AFCON finished a rapid United counterattack to give the hosts the lead.
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu wrapped up the victory late on, converting from close range after meeting an excellent cross from substitute Matheus Cunha to make it 2–0.
Neville spots Fernandes and Mbeumo’s huge impact
Former United captain Gary Neville spotted which United players were the brightest sparks inside Old Trafford as Carrick’s side were triumphant.
“Well, 65 minutes of a proper performance, a proper attack and a premier goal. Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo have both been outstanding, and they haven’t quite connected perfectly, but now they do. It’s absolutely electric in this ground.
“This is not a time to get giddy. There has been many false starts. That is three days of pretty good work that we have seen in 65 minutes from Michael Carrick, I have to say.”
The two were on fire against Pep Guardiola’s side, combining on multiple electric counterattacks, both finding the back of the net, but Mbeumo’s finish in Donnarumma’s far corner finally gave United the lead they deserved.
The pair were crucial in getting the United fans off their feet as Old Trafford was booming for over 90 minutes, keeping the momentum in United’s favour and pushing Manchester City further into frustration as they extend a run of four Premier League games without a win.
United need consistency from Carrick
United fans have a history of notable temporary managers, particularly Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose time as interim manager earned him a contract for a long-term role, most notably on that night in Paris as United came back against Paris Saint-Germain with a late Marcus Rashford penalty, winning the game in the Champions League.
Carrick needs to keep this positive momentum into United’s next fixture, where title-chasing Arsenal will be eager to stretch their lead at the top of the table.
This afternoon was a clear demonstration that a four at the back could work for United, which Ruben Amorim had consistently opposed. Furthermore, a full 90 minutes for Kobbie Mainoo will be refreshing for fans to see as rumours of a January exit could begin to calm down.
The victory keeps United in a race for Champions League qualification, and with no other competition to play for, United can keep their full attention towards the Premier League.
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