AFCON 2025
Michael Carrick began his interim role as Manchester United manager with a bang as the Red Devils reigned supreme over Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Manchester United came into the tie as underdogs to their city rivals and lived up to the tag in a commanding performance over Pep Guardiola’s men.
It was a game that saw City struggle to break down a solid United defense as they created no big chance in the derby.
Carrick lined up with a 4-2-3-1 set up with Kobbie Mainoo returning to the line up and Bruno Fernandes playing just Bryan Mbuemo who played as a false 9.
City ignored early signals from their host as Harry Maguire’s header from a corner kick bounced off the cross bar.
Patrick Dorgu came close to given the home side the lead in the 22nd minute but Gianluigi Donnarumma made himself large to pull off a fine save.
Amad Diallo thought he had given Manchester United the lead as he beat Donnarumma before passing the ball into an empty net but his goal was ruled fkr offside.
City’s youngster, Max Alleyne directed a header towards goal but Senne Lemmens and Diogo Dalot made a joint clearance.
The VAR came to City’s rescue again after Bruno Fernandes scored in similar fashion to Amad’s a few minutes before the break.
Bryan Mbuemo, off a blistering counterattack which started fired a low drive from Bruno Fernandes’ pass, into the back of the net to give Manchester United the lead after the hour mark.
Moments later, Patrick Dorgu got to the end of Matteus Cunha’s cross into the box as he doubled the lead in front of the Stretford end.
Mason Mount, off the bench scored off Cunha’s great run down the right flank but once again, VAR chalked off the goal for offside.
The tie ended 2-0 in favour of Michael Carrick’s Red Devils as Manchester United momentarily move to the fourth spot on the log.
