EPL: Manchester United Defeat Man City 2-0 in Michael Carrick’s First Match as Interim Boss

Manchester United handed Michael Carrick a perfect start to his interim spell in charge with a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Saturday, dealing a major blow to their rivals’ Premier League title hopes.

United were on top for much of the contest at Old Trafford and finally made their dominance count in the last 25 minutes, after being frustrated by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and having three goals ruled out for offside.

Bryan Mbeumo, returning from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), opened the scoring before Patrick Dorgu added a second to secure just United’s second win in eight league matches.

The result lifted Carrick’s side into the top four and was also welcomed in north London, as Arsenal moved closer to a first league title in 22 years. Mikel Arteta’s team had the chance to extend their lead at the summit to nine points with a later trip to Nottingham Forest.

Carrick’s bold selection choices paid off, with Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha dropping to the bench to accommodate the returning Mbeumo and Amad Diallo. Harry Maguire also made his first start in two months and came close to scoring early on, hitting the crossbar from close range after meeting Bruno Fernandes’ corner.

Manchester City, still negotiating a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, were forced to field an inexperienced central defensive pairing of Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov due to injuries. Their makeshift defence struggled throughout, and only Donnarumma’s brilliance prevented a heavier defeat.

The Italian goalkeeper produced several fine saves, including a first-half stop from Dorgu and a stunning double save after the break to deny Diallo and Casemiro. He was beaten twice before half-time, but both goals were ruled out for offside against Diallo and Fernandes.

Pep Guardiola attempted to spark a response with a double substitution at half-time, bringing on Nico O’Riley and Raya Cherki, but City’s league form continued to falter, extending their winless run to four matches.

The breakthrough came when City contributed to their own undoing. Cherki’s poorly taken free-kick sparked a United counterattack, and Fernandes’ pass released Mbeumo, who finished low and hard to break the deadlock.

Cunha then came off the bench to help set up the second goal, as Dorgu exploited a lapse from Rico Lewis to score at the back post. Guardiola later withdrew Erling Haaland with 10 minutes remaining, seemingly conceding defeat as City continue to compete on multiple fronts.

Diallo struck the post late on, while Mason Mount had a goal ruled out for offside with his first touch after coming on, but the damage had already been done.

The victory capped a memorable return to Old Trafford for Carrick and significantly dented Manchester City’s title ambitions.

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