Manchester is red today. Honestly, if you’d told a United fan a week ago—amidst the chaos of Ruben Amorim’s sudden exit—that they’d brush aside Pep Guardiola’s machine with a 2-0 win, they would’ve laughed you out of the pub. But that’s exactly what happened on January 17, 2026. Michael Carrick stepped back into the interim dugout and somehow, almost overnight, turned a side that looked lost into a disciplined, counter-attacking juggernaut.
It was loud. Old Trafford hasn't vibrated like that in years.
The Michael Carrick Masterclass: How Man United v Man City Was Won
Everyone expected City to dominate. They did, at least if you only look at the possession stats. They had about 68% of the ball. But possession is a lie when you don't do anything with it. United didn't care about having the ball; they cared about what they did when they stole it.
Carrick went back to basics. He set the team up in a 4-2-3-1 that felt remarkably sturdy. By keeping the distances between the midfield and defense tiny, they effectively turned Erling Haaland into a ghost. Lisandro Martinez was basically a human shield, throwing himself into blocks that had the Stretford End roaring.
The breakthrough didn't come until the 65th minute. Bryan Mbeumo, just back from the Africa Cup of Nations, finished a move that started with a massive Harry Maguire header at the other end. Bruno Fernandes, playing with the kind of freedom we haven't seen in months, threaded a pass that invited Mbeumo to just slot it home. 1-0. The stadium erupted.
Then came Patrick Dorgu.
At 76 minutes, Matheus Cunha—who had just come on for Mbeumo—found space on the right. His cross was absolute perfection. Dorgu, who has been a revelation lately, drifted past Rico Lewis and cushioned the ball into the net. 2-0. Game over.
Why City Looked So Out of Sorts
It wasn't just United playing well; City looked... heavy? Maybe it's the title race pressure. They’re now six points behind Arsenal, and you could see the frustration on Rodri’s face. He even picked up a yellow card right before the half.
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Pep’s lineup had some surprises. Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov in defense felt like a gamble that didn't quite pay off against the raw pace of Amad and Dorgu. Gianluigi Donnarumma was the only reason it wasn't four or five. He made an incredible double save from Amad and Casemiro that genuinely defied physics.
- United Shots on Target: 7
- City Shots on Target: 1
- Big Chances Created: 6 for United, 0 for City.
Those numbers tell the real story. City passed the ball around the perimeter, but they never really looked like they were going to break through. United, on the other hand, had three goals ruled out for offside. It was a dominant performance disguised as a defensive one.
A New Era or Just a Flash in the Pan?
The big question now is whether this changes the long-term plan for the Manchester United hierarchy. Jim Ratcliffe was in the stands, beaming. Carrick has said he’s only here until the end of the season, but "Carrickball" looked suspiciously sustainable today.
They’ve jumped to 5th in the table. More importantly, they’ve found an identity. They aren't trying to out-Pep Pep anymore. They’re playing fast, vertical football that suits players like Mainoo and Garnacho.
For City, this is a massive blow. They’ve got a Champions League trip to Norway to face Bodo/Glimt next, and they look like a team that needs a reset. Haaland barely touched the ball in the second half. When your best weapon is neutralized that easily, you’ve got tactical problems to solve.
Key Stats That Actually Matter
If you're looking at the betting markets or just arguing with mates, keep these in mind. Patrick Dorgu now has four goal contributions in his last five games. Before this run, he had one in twenty-seven. He’s the form player in the league right now.
Also, United have finally sorted their defensive transitions. They committed 13 fouls today—most of them "tactical" ones in the middle of the pitch to stop City's breaks. It’s cynical, sure, but it’s what winners do.
What Happens Next for Both Clubs
Man United v Man City matches usually leave a hangover, but this one feels like a tonic for the red side of the city. United head to the Emirates to face Arsenal on January 25. That is going to be a massive test of whether this Carrick revival is the real deal.
City need to find their rhythm again. They’re still in four competitions, but the Premier League title is slipping. If Arsenal win their game in hand, the gap becomes nine points. That’s a long way back, even for a team as good as City.
Actionable Insights for the Rest of the Season:
- Watch the Dorgu-Cunha link-up: These two have an instinctive understanding that is bypassing even the best defenses.
- Monitor Arsenal’s results: City’s loss has handed the Gunners a golden ticket. The pressure on Mikel Arteta just doubled.
- Keep an eye on Carrick’s "Interim" status: If he keeps winning like this, the "interim" tag might just disappear by May.
- Haaland’s service issues: If teams copy United’s "compact block" strategy, City need a Plan B that doesn't involve just crossing into a crowded box.
The title race just got a whole lot more interesting, and the power dynamic in Manchester feels like it's shifting back toward the center.