Manchester United dished out a derby-day drubbing to Manchester City, winning 2–0. It could have been more, and Old Trafford was crucial.
To call it a drubbing is not over-egging the pudding; in fact, it does it complete justice.
The third Monday in January – which is what today is at the time of writing – is known as Blue Monday, but that only applies if you are of a blue persuasion – if you are of a red persuasion, it is a happy Monday.
Michael Carrick’s first audition as manager of Manchester United went as smoothly as silk. In his first interview as United manager, he said: “Saturday is an important game for so many reasons – and I want to feel that everyone comes to that stadium with an expectation that something special might happen.”
And something special did happen.
Old Trafford was important in win
Even before a ball was kicked, Old Trafford was rowdy and raucous. Even in the dismal days of the past decade, Old Trafford holds a mystical aura. If you can ignite Old Trafford, it is like a storm long brewing beyond the horizon – poised to break without warning, or a dormant volcano ready to erupt at any given moment.
It is an environment where even the biggest stars can go under – Haaland was stifled to superb effect and hooked as a result – while Rodri was anonymous.
United attacked like the Red Arrows – with relentless adventure – as it should be. The United of old were on display – the ‘Stretford Enders’ sounded their appreciation.
On the 65th minute, Bryan Mbeumo fired United into a 1–0 lead – finishing with conviction past an inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma. Soon after, it was twice in a trice as Patrick Dorgu snuck ahead of his man to complete the job – Stretford End ecstasy. It was refreshing to see free-flowing, front-footed football for 90 minutes.
In his post-match interview, Lisandro Martinez gave an insight into Carrick’s team talk, he said: “Use the energy of the people.” They did that in spades.
The grit, determination and dedication reflected the hard-working city of Manchester – it was one that 70,000 reds could be proud of – there has been so much talk about the ‘United DNA’ in recent weeks – well, on Saturday, that was it in a nutshell.
Could this be a defining moment for United?
The reason why every Manchester United fan was so utterly ecstatic on Saturday was the manner of the victory – it was a reaffirmation of what United was, is and could be in the future.
It does not matter whether you are a man, a woman or a child – football does not discriminate – it brings connection, community and joy – that is why it is called the beautiful game.
What the next 16 fixtures bring, nobody knows – but what is clear is that the fans have been reminded of what a United team should look and feel like.
If United can replicate that performance level, Champions League football may just return to Old Trafford – be excited, be encouraged, be United.
After the derby win, Dorgu took to Instagram, he said: “Theatre of Dreams for a reason” – and boy, was he right.
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