Michael Carrick enjoyed a perfect start to his second spell as Manchester United caretaker manager as his side beat Manchester City with second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu at Old Trafford.
The result dealt a serious blow to City’s Premier League title hopes and brought rare joy to United fans after weeks of frustration.
Old Trafford came alive on the day, with Sir Alex Ferguson smiling in the stands and supporters sarcastically waving goodbye to City striker Erling Haaland when he was substituted late in the game.
City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma kept his team in the match for long periods, producing several fine saves to deny Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo, Casemiro and Mbeumo.
However, United finally broke the deadlock when captain Bruno Fernandes led a quick counter-attack and passed to Mbeumo, who calmly finished from the left. The Cameroon forward was making his return after Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Eleven minutes later, United doubled their lead. City defender Rico Lewis was caught out, allowing Dorgu to get in front of him and score from a cut-back by Matheus Cunha.
United had three goals ruled out for offside and Diallo struck the post late on. City struggled to respond, with Haaland extending his poor run to just one goal in seven matches.
Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as City’s winless run in the league stretched to four games, opening the door for Arsenal to tighten their grip on the title.
United, meanwhile, briefly climbed to fourth place, something they rarely managed under former boss Ruben Amorim.
There was early controversy when Diogo Dalot escaped a red card for a high challenge on Jeremy Doku, but referee Anthony Taylor allowed play to continue.
After that moment, United delivered a strong and confident performance. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez were outstanding in defence, limiting Haaland’s influence, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens made amends for an earlier error with a key save.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo impressed alongside Casemiro as United controlled the game.
At full-time, the fans sang Carrick’s name as he celebrated another memorable result, adding to his achievements from his first spell as interim manager.
