Michael Carrick Already Puts Ruben Amorim to Shame with Two Simple Decisions vs Man City

In a stunning Manchester derby on January 17, 2026, Michael Carrick marked his first game as Manchester United's interim head coach with a resounding 2-0 victory over title-chasing Manchester City at Old Trafford. The win, United's first since Boxing Day, propelled them into fourth place in the Premier League, while City slipped to winless in four matches, now six points behind leaders Arsenal.[1][3][4]

Carrick, appointed until season's end after Ruben Amorim's acrimonious dismissal last week, wasted no time silencing doubters. His two simple decisions—deploying a pragmatic 4-2-3-1 formation and positioning Bruno Fernandes correctly as the No. 10—exposed Amorim's tactical missteps, particularly playing Fernandes out of position.[2][4] Fans hailed the change, with one declaring, "As fully expected, the next Man Utd manager picks a team in a 4231 with Bruno Fernandes as the 10 & Kobbie Mainoo in midfield and you can see in an instant they are a normal football team again."[2]

United dominated despite City's possession, frustrating Pep Guardiola's side with high intent and clinical counters. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma starred with multiple saves, denying Amad Diallo, Casemiro, and Bryan Mbeumo early in the second half, while the woodwork and three offside calls spared the visitors further damage.[1][3][4]

The breakthrough came in the 65th minute: Mbeumo, fresh from AFCON, intercepted after Harry Maguire cleared a free-kick, charged forward with Fernandes, and slotted a low strike past Donnarumma. Carrick leaped in delight as Old Trafford erupted.[1][3] Patrick Dorgu sealed it in the 76th, tapping in substitute Matheus Cunha's cross ahead of Rico Lewis. Amad hit the post late, and Mason Mount's close-range finish was ruled offside.[3][4]

In his presser, Carrick praised the "strong foundation" from Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro alongside Harry Maguire's elite defending, emphasizing experience against City's possession game. "We wanted real attack and intent," he said, opting not to chase the ball endlessly.[5] This display recaptured Old Trafford's magic, putting Amorim's experiments to shame and boosting United's morale after a fraught fortnight.[1][4]

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