Michael Carrick made a perfect debut managing Manchester United, guiding the team to a 2-0 home win over Manchester City with goals from Brian Embo Mo and Patrick Dorgu.
On 17 Jan 2026 GMT+7, in the English Premier League match known as the 'Manchester Derby' at Old Trafford, Manchester United hosted and defeated Manchester City 2-0. This was Michael Carrick's first match as interim manager of the Red Devils, immediately securing an important three points for the team.
Before the match, Man Utd was struggling, having gone four games without a win, including a home loss to Brighton in the FA Cup third round. Meanwhile, Man City had strong form in cup competitions but inconsistent league results. Both teams were eager for a victory in this game.
The game began with Man Utd nearly taking the lead in the third minute from a corner. Bruno Fernandes crossed to Harry Maguire, who headed powerfully but hit the crossbar. Man Utd controlled the attack, and in the seventh minute, Cobby Mainu took a long-range shot that was comfortably saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Man City threatened in the 15th minute with a cross from Antoine Semenyo to Bernardo Silva, who headed over the bar. The momentum returned to the hosts, and at the 22nd minute, Patrick Dorgu fired a left-footed shot saved by the City goalkeeper.
Near the end of the first half, City almost took the lead from a corner in the 37th minute when Max Aline headed close-range, but Senne Lammens made a crucial save for Man Utd, keeping the score 0-0 at halftime.
The second half remained evenly matched. At the 57th minute, Man Utd missed two golden chances in quick succession from Ahmad Diallo and Casemiro, but Donnarumma made superb saves to deny both attempts.
Finally, in the 65th minute, the crowd at Old Trafford erupted as Bruno Fernandes drove a counterattack from his own half, passing to Brian Embo Mo, who broke through and scored past Donnarumma to put the hosts ahead 1-0.
The Red Devils grew more confident and sealed the win in the 76th minute. Substitute Matheus Cunha charged down the right flank and crossed for Patrick Dorgu to score with a close-range finish, making it 2-0.
In the final minutes, Man Utd nearly scored again multiple times, including Ahmad's shot hitting the post and Mason Mount's strike that was ruled offside despite crossing the line. The match ended 2-0 in favor of the home team.
This victory increased Manchester United's total to 35 points, moving them up to fourth place in the standings, overtaking Liverpool. Meanwhile, Manchester City have now gone four league games without a win and remain six points behind league leaders Arsenal.