Old Trafford rolled back the years and roared for a new start. On a night loaded with meaning, Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-0 in the Premier League, handing Michael Carrick a perfect first game in the dugout after the exit of Rúben Amorim. Second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed it, and there was bite, belief, and clean execution across the pitch.

It was also a day of remembrance, coming on the first anniversary of Denis Law’s passing. The emotion inside the stadium felt real, and United played like a team ready to turn the page. They had three goals ruled out for offside, hit the woodwork early, and still kept their heads to strike at the right moments. City, second in the table at kick-off, could not solve United’s quick counters and direct runs.

New boss, new edge: Carrick’s first night in charge

Carrick made five changes and brought Harry Maguire back into the XI. From the first whistle, the message was simple: be brave and be quick. United pressed with control, then broke forward at speed. Carrick’s reactions on the touchline told the story too — at one point he jumped in delight in the technical area as his team kept City boxed in and won the key duels.

United needed a clean feeling after a tough fortnight and a winless run since Boxing Day. This was it. The crowd felt it, the players felt it, and the scoreline matched the intent.

“If this is Carrick-ball, I’m in — smart shape, fast breaks, no fear.”

Fast start, fine margins: United ride the line

United nearly scored inside three minutes. Maguire met a Dálot cross and smacked a header off the crossbar. It set the tone. City looked unsure any time United turned and ran. The home side thought they had their lead more than once before the break, only for the flag to go up. Two first-half finishes were chalked off for offside. Another close call in stoppage time also went against United. All three decisions were tight and could have tested any team’s nerve.

Instead, United stayed calm. They kept springing forward, looking for Bruno Fernandes between the lines and runners outside him. City’s back line never looked comfortable, and the gaps only grew as the second half opened up.

Break the press, break the deadlock: Mbeumo and Dorgu deliver

The breakthrough came on 65 minutes, and it was the clearest example of United’s plan. A quick transition, Bruno Fernandes involved in the move, and Bryan Mbeumo racing through to finish. It was simple and sharp, and Old Trafford exploded. After the frustration of the disallowed goals, this one had no doubt.

Eleven minutes later, the second goal underlined the night. Matheus Cunha slipped a neat pass into space and found Patrick Dorgu, who finished to make it 2-0 on 76 minutes. Again, Old Trafford erupted as the young side showed cool at the key moment. With space to attack and confidence flowing, United were ruthless where it mattered.

“VAR took three off, but City never felt safe for a second.”

City’s blunt edge, Donnarumma’s steady hands

City had the ball but rarely the punch. When they did work a gap, Gianluigi Donnarumma was there. The United goalkeeper made the important stops and kept the back line settled. That gave the team a base to launch their counters. City, who came in second in the table, looked vulnerable once United broke the first press. Each turnover felt dangerous. Each sprint from deep dragged their shape out of place.

In a derby, control is not just passes; it’s managing moments. United did that. From Maguire’s early header to the late defensive stands, they won the key moments and stayed tidy.

Table talk and the weight of the rivalry

This was the 198th competitive meeting between Manchester United and Manchester City, and it carried real table meaning. United moved to 35 points (now 9-8-5) and, at least for a while, into fifth. City, still at 43 points (13-4-5), were made to look uneasy by pace and direct play. For United, it was the first win since Boxing Day and a clear shot of belief at a time they needed it.

Derbies are special because they blend story and stakes. With the club honoring Denis Law, and a new head coach on the touchline, this one felt especially charged. United didn’t just match the mood; they made it count on the scoreboard.

“Dorgu’s finish changes the left side picture — keep him there.”

What Carrick changed — and what comes next

Without overcomplicating the plan, Carrick kept things clear. United defended with focus, kept their lines tight, and then attacked with speed. Five changes to the lineup, including Maguire, gave the team fresh legs and a sharper look on set pieces. The players looked sure of their jobs, and the bench looked in tune with the game’s rhythm.

Mbeumo’s timing for the opener showed how United want to hurt teams: win it, feed Bruno, run off the shoulder. Dorgu’s goal showed calm in the box, with Cunha’s assist puncturing space that City struggled to close. Those patterns will matter in the weeks ahead.

There is still work to do. United need to turn this into a run. But this was a strong template: controlled out of possession, clean in transition, and composed when the big calls went against them. It was also proof that the squad’s depth can make a difference when used with a clear plan.

The bottom line

Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City reads like a statement. It was Carrick’s dream start, but it was also a team win built on simple ideas done well. City had the ball; United had the moments. On the night, that was enough.

For United fans, the scoreboard felt like fresh air. For Carrick, it was a first step that sets a standard. Keep the shape. Keep the speed. Keep the edge. If they do, this derby could be the game they look back on as the true start of something new.