MANCHESTER: A transformed Manchester United launched interim manager Michael Carrick’s second stint in charge with a rousing 2-0 Premier League derby victory over Manchester City at a vibrant Old Trafford on Saturday.
United swept away the gloom surrounding the club with a dominant second-half display, striking through Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu to hand City a humbling defeat that dealt a serious blow to their title ambitions.
Mbeumo, fresh from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon, opened the scoring in the 65th minute with a composed finish. Dorgu doubled the lead 10 minutes later, meeting Matheus Cunha’s cross to send the home crowd into raptures.
The margin could have been far wider but for an outstanding performance by City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and three disallowed United goals. City offered little in response, with prolific striker Erling Haaland largely anonymous as the visitors struggled to impose themselves.
The loss leaves City facing the prospect of falling nine points behind leaders Arsenal, depending on later results, instead of closing the gap at the top. For United, the win lifted them provisionally into fourth place and marked an ideal start for Carrick, strengthening calls for him to be considered for the role on a long-term basis.
