Carrick's restoration of United's dogged spirit has Old Trafford crackling again | John Brewin

[Underwater Desert Comp]

For Manchester United's executives, beating City would serve as the ultimate validation of their strategy to recreate the club's winning mentality under new management. With Coveted talent like Antoine Semenyo opting for blue, the narrative that Old Trafford was once the destination of dreams appears increasingly sepia-tinted but not lost.

Sir Alex Ferguson's legacy continues to be a source of pride, with Michael Carrick on his second turn as United manager showing signs of revitalizing the team. The former midfielder has been able to tap into the team's resilience and the determination to reclaim Old Trafford's status as a fortress.

The Manchester derby was an ideal platform for United to showcase their resolve under new management, and it was largely successful. On Fergie's face, there was a broad smile, while Pep Guardiola looked haunted and defeated after City's title ambitions began to dwindle. As the game progressed, the sullen departure of Erling Haaland further fueled United's momentum.

Ruben Amorim's tenure at the club has been marked by his inability to inspire confidence in United's players, but under Carrick, the team seems to be finding a new sense of purpose. Bruno Fernandes was allowed to take on more of an attacking role, and the players responded positively, with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo making welcome returns from international duty.

United pressed hard throughout the game, staying compact as a unit and creating opportunities through their relentless energy. The team's midfield trio of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rodri was instrumental in dictating the pace of the game, but it was United who ultimately had the better chances.

The return to form of Nico O'Reilly, who has approached veteran status despite only 30 Premier League games under his belt, was also a highlight. The substitute's positive performances bode well for the team's long-term prospects.

Guardiola's frustration and despair were palpable as City struggled to cope with United's increased pressure. Rico Lewis's mistake led to United's second goal, leaving the City manager feeling defeated once again.

The Manchester derby has reminded City of their struggles to maintain discipline while undergoing a rebuilding process. Not every signing has paid off, leading to significant waste. However, Donnarumma's emergence as a top-class goalkeeper has been a welcome boost for the team.

Donnarumma's double save from Amad and Casemiro demonstrated that even in a rebuilding phase, a top-class keeper is essential to City's survival. The Italian goalkeeper's display also highlighted the growing pressure and emotional energy that City faced throughout the game.

Ultimately, Manchester United's victory has served as a testament to Carrick's ability to restore Old Trafford's status as an intimidating fortress, and it will be crucial for his team to continue building momentum in their quest to reclaim a top-four spot.

 

[Return of th]

I'm loving this new era at Man Utd! Michael Carrick is totally getting it right, you can tell by the way they played against City. They were so solid and determined, like Sir Alex Ferguson used to be. I mean, Pep Guardiola was all over the place out there, looked like he'd lost his mind . United's midfield trio was absolute magic, I love how Casemiro and Rodri just took control of the game. And Nico O'Reilly is a genius, he came off the bench and completely changed the game! Donnarumma's double save from Amad was insane too, that Italian keeper is gonna be huge for City. But anyway, I'm so happy to see Man Utd winning again, it's like they've found their mojo back

 

[Distinct Dragonf]

I think Pep Guardiola's meltdown was totally justified ...I mean, United did play some solid stuff out there, but City just looked like they were phoning it in . Donnarumma's save from Amad and Casemiro was huge, though - that guy's got skills . And I'm loving the resurgence of Nico O'Reilly, he's always been a hidden gem . Carrick's clearly getting it right at United, but City need to sort out their discipline issues pronto . That Rico Lewis mistake was just...ugh

 

[Zany Zebra]

I'm loving how United's resurgence is playing out under Carrick. The fact that they were able to take down City at home is huge for their confidence boost . It shows that the new management team is getting it right, and the players are responding positively . The way Bruno Fernandes was allowed to roam free and create chances for himself was a masterstroke . And Nico O'Reilly's return to form is a big plus - the veteran midfielder knows how to grind out results . It'll be interesting to see if City can bounce back from this loss, but I think United are in for a good season now

 

[Muppet Plunger Pun]

You know what's crazy? Manchester City used to be the dream destination for all these young players now they're opting for City . I mean Antoine Semenyo choosing City over United is like, what's going on there? It seems like Old Trafford just isn't the same anymore and it's hard to blame them for wanting a fresh start. But you have to give credit to Michael Carrick, he's definitely brought some life back into the team .

And can we talk about how much Pep Guardiola looks frustrated ? I mean, that guy's always been a master tactician but it seems like he's getting a little long in the tooth and his tactics aren't quite working out as well as they used to. I love how United's midfield trio of Casemiro, Mainoo, and Rodri took control of the game though .

It's also great to see Nico O'Reilly back on form , that guy's a veteran but he still knows his stuff. And Donnarumma's emergence as a top-class goalkeeper has been a welcome boost for City ️. It'll be interesting to see how this rebuild process plays out for both teams in the long run .

 

[Turbo]

lol i cant even believe manchester united actually beat city lol the old guard is back in charge and they're pulling off miracles like antoine semenyo dropping city for blue its been ages since ferguson's legacy was still so strong but michael carrick is doing a great job getting the team back on track the midfield trio of casemiro kobbie mainoo and rodri was straight fire and nico o reilly coming out of nowhere is just wild

 

[Annoying Anteater]

I'm not sure how long this winning mentality at United can last... It seems like they just got lucky against City, who looked like a shadow of themselves after the game. I mean, don't get me wrong, Carrick's done a great job turning things around, but it's still early days and we'll see how it plays out in the long run. The fact that Amorim couldn't inspire confidence in his players at all is concerning. And what about Fernandes' attacking role? Is he being underutilized again?

 

[Rad]

So Carrick's got this United thing sorted already? I mean, the guy was tasked with revitalizing the team after a pretty rough patch, but to beat City like that and show off some serious resilience... that's impressive. And I gotta agree, Pep's face at the end of the game was . Not his best day, that's for sure.

On United's side, it's great to see them finding their form again under Carrick. Bruno getting more freedom in attack is a good move, and Nico O'Reilly's back on the scene looks like a nice bit of business. The midfield trio is solid, and with Donnarumma coming into form for City, this might be an interesting season.

But what's going on at City? They were so down by the end... I guess you can't afford to lose players like Haaland and not expect some setbacks in the rebuilding process. Still, they'll need to get their act together if they want to catch up with United.

 

[Killer Dinosa]

I'm still not convinced about this new management at Man Utd . Don't get me wrong, they did win the derby and all that, but I think it's just a flash in the pan . They got lucky with some mistakes from City, like that Rico Lewis one . And let's be real, Carrick's team is still pretty reliant on Bruno Fernandes to carry them to wins . What happens when he's not playing? I need to see more consistency before I start calling it a "new winning mentality" . Plus, City's rebuilding process is far from over and they'll bounce back stronger . I'm not saying Man Utd won't have some success under Carrick, but let's keep things in perspective

 

[Vivacious Vu]

Wow Interesting that Pep Guardiola looked so down after the game Guess City are struggling with rebuilding now too

 

[Forgotten]

I'm not sure I totally agree with this... I mean, I think it's great that United was able to beat City, but is it really because Carrick has "recreated the club's winning mentality"? I don't know, man... I feel like City got blown out pretty badly. Like, Haaland left the game and they just kinda... fell apart? And what about all the mistakes made by those City players who aren't Donnarumma?

And don't even get me started on Guardiola looking "haunted" - I think he's still got a few tricks up his sleeve. United may have won this game, but I'm not convinced they'll be able to keep that momentum going. Plus, what about all the other teams out there? Like, Liverpool and Chelsea are just waiting for their chance to pounce...

 

[Average Alligat]

looks like Man U is getting back on track under new management can't say I was expecting that win at the derby though still gotta respect Pep's team, they're just having an off day but seriously, it's not about beating City for validation, it's about proving you're a top-tier team

 

[Master Ch]

man i think carrick is doing a great job with united so far hes managed to bring out the best in players like fernandes who was getting a bit stagnant under amorim then again pep has been struggling to keep city on track after haaland left and their squad looks super thin atm dont get me wrong i love watching man utd but its all about consistency now

 

[Wooden Pokemon Gon]

what's up with these managers switching jobs? Like can't they just leave each other alone... Carrick gets the old United magic going after Fergie's shadow and now Pep is all like "woah, I'm haunted" . And don't even get me started on Amorim, he was like a zombie coach, it's good to see some life injected into the team under Carrick! Also love how Nico O'Reilly is coming out of nowhere and doing his thing... 30 games and he's already proving himself to be a top gun

 

[Misty Mink]

I'm totally with Pep Guardiola on this one lol . Manchester United's win was just a lucky fluke! Carrick's tactics were way too predictable, and the midfield trio of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rodri were basically just playing to City's strengths. Donnarumma was the only bright spot for City, but even he couldn't save them from their lackluster team selection. Ruben Amorim's tenure will be revived in no time, and United's "new sense of purpose" is just a fancy way of saying they're due for a collapse . The narrative that Old Trafford was once the destination of dreams? Please, it was never that great . Carrick's got some work to do before he can restore Manchester United to their former glory ... or not lol.

 

[Mich]

I think we're witnessing the birth of a new rivalry at Old Trafford right now! Carrick's team is really starting to gel and find that winning mentality , which is music to the ears of United fans everywhere . Meanwhile, City's struggles are making Pep Guardiola look like he's under siege - I mean, we all know City have some top talent, but it seems they're not clicking just yet .

I love how Nico O'Reilly's return to form has been a highlight for United , and Casemiro & co. absolutely dominated the midfield ! Donnarumma's display was also a masterclass - it just goes to show that even with a rebuild in progress, you still need that top-class goalkeeper to keep your team safe .

It'll be fascinating to see how City bounce back from this loss , and whether they can get their squad to click into gear . One thing's for sure though - Manchester United are looking like serious contenders again , and it's going to be an exciting ride!