LONDON – Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford. It was the perfect start for interim boss Michael Carrick, back in charge after recent changes, and it also answered the 3-0 defeat at the Etihad in September.
United set the tone early with sharp pressing, quick breaks, and a real edge in front of goal. They had three strikes ruled out for tight offsides and hit the woodwork twice, yet they still looked the stronger side.
The win lifted them into the Premier League top five for the moment. For City, it was a damaging result in the title race, with the gap to Arsenal set to grow to nine points depending on other scores.
United on Top in the First Half, But No Goal
From the first whistle, Manchester United played with purpose. They squeezed City high up the pitch and created early danger. Harry Maguire went close with a header from a Bruno Fernandes corner, crashing the ball against the crossbar.
United thought they had scored twice before the break. Amad Diallo finished one move, and Bruno Fernandes tucked away another, but both were ruled out after VAR checked narrow offside calls.
City had the ball for long spells, but it didn’t turn into clear chances. Erling Haaland barely had an impact and managed only 14 touches before being taken off. There was also a key moment when Diogo Dalot avoided a red card for a high challenge on Jeremy Doku, picking up only a yellow. Despite City’s possession, United defended well and went into half-time at 0-0.
Second Half Goals: Mbeumo and Dorgu Do the Damage
The breakthrough came in the 65th minute, and it suited United’s plan. After dealing with a City free-kick, they broke at pace on a four-on-two counter. Fernandes held the ball at the right time, then slipped it through to Bryan Mbeumo, who finished calmly past Gianluigi Donnarumma for his seventh league goal of the season. Old Trafford lifted, and Carrick’s reaction on the touchline said it all.
United made it 2-0 in the 76th minute. The move was more patient this time, ending with a right-sided cross that found Patrick Dorgu arriving free at the far post. He struck it in from close range, putting the result beyond doubt. City offered little in reply and ended the game with just one shot on target.
United even had a late third, through Mason Mount, ruled out for offside. It didn’t change much, as the hosts managed the final minutes with control and confidence.
Match Stats and Standout Performers
Manchester United key players and stats
- Bruno Fernandes: Set up the opener and drove United forward
- Bryan Mbeumo: Scored (65’) and carried a constant threat on the break
- Patrick Dorgu: Scored (76’) and took his chance well
- Amad Diallo: Made direct runs and stretched City’s back line
- Possession: 31.9%
- Shots on target: 7
- Total shots: Higher than City (exact figure not given)
Manchester City key players and stats
- Erling Haaland: Quiet game, substituted, still without an open-play goal in seven matches
- Pep Guardiola: Admitted afterwards, “The better team won… they had an energy we didn’t have.”
- Possession: 68.1%
- Shots on target: 1
- Overall: Low intensity, not enough creativity
The Manchester United vs Manchester City 2-0 result underlined how organised and sharp United looked under Carrick, especially on the counter. Guardiola accepted the outcome, pointing to City’s lack of energy. For United, it’s a derby win that boosts their Champions League push. For the city, it’s a costly setback. Old Trafford enjoyed every minute, and Manchester feels red again.
