Michael Carrick has spoken about a definitive moment in the Old Trafford tunnel before Manchester United won their derby clash against Manchester City.
Old Trafford witnessed a statement performance as Manchester United beat Manchester City 2–0 in the Premier League.
United flew out of the blocks, pressing City into submission from the opening whistle. Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire both threatened early, with the defender rattling the crossbar.
The home crowd was twice denied celebrations as goals from Amad and Bruno Fernandes were ruled out for offside.
The pressure continued after half-time, and although Gianluigi Donnarumma initially kept City in the game, Mbeumo finally broke through on 65 minutes through a devastating counter led by Fernandes.
Patrick Dorgu put the result beyond doubt soon after, finishing a move sparked by Matheus Cunha to secure the three points in Michael Carrick’s first game in charge.
Carrick praises dressing room mentality
The mentality of Manchester United has been something that many have questioned, not just this season but for the last few years.
With only three-days to prepare for this game, the only thing Carrick had very little time to instil his own philosophy. However, what he could immediately do was lift the morale in the dressing room and give the players the best mental platform to overcome City.
Speaking after the game, Carrick gave a glowing report about the mentality of his players and the moment he knew his side was ready to battle with their rivals.
The newly appointed interim manager said: “The players left the changing room unbelievably desperate to do well. I was thinking, don’t be too desperate where it can cloud your judgment and you make decisions that you make because you’re emotionally so invested in it.
“I thought they got the balance so right, and the supporters were incredible. I said yesterday that this can be a magical place, and it does some funny things, and today, to get that feeling is exactly what we want. Hopefully, just to start something we need to build on.”
Furthermore, Carrick delved deeper into how the squad impressed him in training, even though there was little to no time to prepare.
“I just think the boys have shown me that they’re really willing to listen and learn, as I said, [they’re] almost desperate. They want it so much and the willingness to take the information on and change things a little bit and be willing to adapt.
“We obviously put a game plan and a strategy together that tried to achieve certain things, and everyone played their part in the end. Before the game, I spoke with the coaches, and we said the boys were in a good place,” he explained.
The next challenge is even harder.
This is no doubt a scintillating result for United that some of the most staunch fans could not predict, yet the team showed a level of maturity that has not often been shown this season.
The speed in attacks, the ability to confidently play around the back, and the clear system that comprehensively beat City were reminiscent of the United side Carrick played in himself.
However, the challenge of playing top-of-the-league Arsenal at the Emirates next week is arguably even harder. The Gunners are yet to lose at home in the league, dropping points twice.
The team will need to ride the wave of positivity that has been created and build on this to make a statement in their race for Champions League football.
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