Manchester United produced one of their most commanding performances in recent derby history as they stunned Manchester City with a deserved 2-0 victory at Old Trafford. In what marked an emotional and highly symbolic return to the dugout for Michael Carrick, the Red Devils combined intensity, discipline, and belief to overpower their city rivals from start to finish.
Few predicted such control from United, but from the opening whistle, they set the tempo. City were rattled early on, pinned deep by relentless pressing and quick transitions. United even thought they had taken the lead twice before the interval, only for the offside flag to deny Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes. Still, the warning signs were unmistakable.
Carrick had spoken before the game about rediscovering the “magic” of Old Trafford, and his players embodied that sentiment. Casemiro rolled back the years in midfield, while Fernandes dictated play with tireless energy and intelligence. In contrast, City struggled to cope with United’s aggression, with Rodri unusually subdued and Pep Guardiola’s side unable to gain any real rhythm.
Despite United’s dominance, City stayed alive thanks largely to their goalkeeper. Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a superb save to deny Casemiro in a one-on-one situation, briefly keeping the scoreline level. However, that resistance finally cracked when Fernandes surged through midfield, splitting City’s defence with a perfectly weighted pass.
Bryan Mbeumo, returning from international duty after a month away at the Africa Cup of Nations, showed no signs of rust. Calm and decisive, the Cameroonian forward finished clinically to give United a lead their performance fully merited.
The city never truly recovered. United remained compact, energetic, and purposeful, refusing to sit back or protect the advantage passively. Their second goal arrived as a reward for sustained pressure, with Patrick Dorgu exploiting hesitant defending from Rico Lewis to convert a dangerous cross from Matheus Cunha.
Old Trafford erupted. For the first time since January 2023, United had beaten City at home, and this time there was no doubt about the deservedness of the result.
United even thought they had added a third when Mason Mount turned home another Cunha delivery, but VAR intervened to rule it out. The decision did little to dampen the mood, as the home side closed out the game with maturity and authority rarely seen in recent derby meetings.
Manchester United Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
Sanne Lammens (6/10):
Relatively quiet overall but alert when needed. Did well to deal with Doku’s effort and reacted sharply during City’s best spell.
Diogo Dalot (5/10):
Energetic but inconsistent. Mixed promising moments with costly errors, though he recovered well defensively after a risky booking.
Harry Maguire (7/10):
A commanding presence at the back. Dominated aerial duels, kept Haaland under control, and brought leadership to the defensive line.
Lisandro Martinez (7/10):
Sharp, aggressive, and proactive. His anticipation snuffed out danger early, and his long passing sparked transitions.
Luke Shaw (6/10):
Defended solidly and showed commitment, even if discipline briefly let him down with a booking.
Midfield
Kobbie Mainoo (7/10):
A composed and confident display. Brave in possession and industrious without the ball, showing maturity beyond his years.
Casemiro (8/10):
A throwback performance. Controlled midfield battles, broke up play repeatedly, and set the tone with his physical presence.
Bruno Fernandes (8/10):
Outstanding. Relentless work rate, intelligent movement, and the creative spark behind United’s breakthrough.
Attack
Amad Diallo (8/10):
Electric throughout. His pace and movement unsettled City constantly, even if goals were denied by fine margins.
Bryan Mbeumo (7/10):
Adapted superbly to a central role. Intelligent pressing and a crucial goal defined his performance.
Patrick Dorgu (7/10):
Direct, energetic, and decisive. His goal was the final blow in a disciplined attacking display.
Substitutes & Manager
Matheus Cunha (7/10):
Made a strong impact off the bench and provided the assist for Dorgu’s goal.
Manuel Ugarte (N/A):
Brief appearance but maintained United’s intensity late on.
Ayden Heaven & Mason Mount (N/A):
Limited minutes, though Mount was unlucky to see his goal disallowed.
Michael Carrick (8/10):
A near-perfect return. His tactical setup, bold selections, and pressing strategy dismantled City and reignited belief at Old Trafford.