Manchester United legend, Roy Keane, praised one United star’s impact on the side’s 2-0 win over rivals Manchester City, as a new role in the side has been noticed.
Manchester United produced an impressive display at Old Trafford to secure a 2–0 Premier League win over rivals Manchester City under the guidance of Michael Carrick.
The hosts started brightly, pressing aggressively and unsettling City from the outset. Early chances fell to Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire, with Maguire coming agonisingly close as his effort crashed against the crossbar.
United’s dominance continued throughout the first half, with Amad and Bruno Fernandes both seeing goals disallowed for offside. After the interval, Gianluigi Donnarumma was called into action, making fine saves to deny Casemiro and later Mbeumo.
Mbeumo eventually broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, finishing calmly to put United ahead. The victory was sealed ten minutes later when Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu converted after good work from substitute Matheus Cunha, ensuring all three points stayed in Manchester.
Roy Keane praises Bruno Fernandes’ impact on the game
Despite showing some pessimism going into the game, Roy Keane was proven wrong by new interim boss Michael Carrick with a stunning display against Manchester City.
Speaking after the game, Keane praised the top players for turning up, singling out Fernandes for his impact on the game.
“It has been a perfect afternoon for United. It is not as if they got lucky. They dominated the game, they scored two and could have scored more.
“The top players turned up, like Bruno. Players had a big impact. City are a little bit off it. They lack intensity. It has been perfect for him [Michael Carrick].”
New Fernandes role noticed during the game
Under Ruben Amorim, Fernandes was deployed in the midfield pivot, much further back from where he thrived prior to the now former coach’s arrival at the club.
Following the arrival of Carrick, the club’s captain was always going to benefit from a formation change, and against Manchester City, he was playing much further forward, deployed as a No.10 behind Mbeumo.
While Fernandes is benefitting from the formation change, Carrick has seemingly given him a new role, trusting the Portuguese midfielder to be like a coach on the pitch, as many noticed the 31-year-old conducting his side.
Journalist Carl Anka noticed Fernandes’ actions on the pitch, saying, “Fernandes is a coach on the pitch. We’ve just had a moment with Donnaruma had the ball at his feet, where the #MUFC captain threw both of his hands up in the air and got his team to stop pressing high. Then he gave a command as to where he wanted Mainoo to stand.”
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