Michael Carrick marked his return as Manchester United caretaker boss with a statement victory as goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu after the break condemned Manchester City to a damaging Premier League defeat at Old Trafford.
The win reignited the home crowd after a difficult spell, with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson applauding from the directors’ box and supporters gleefully jeering Erling Haaland as he was withdrawn late on.
City Held Firm by Donnarumma Before United Break Through
City were indebted to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for keeping the contest scoreless in the opening stages. The Italian produced a string of impressive stops to frustrate Dorgu, Amad Diallo, Casemiro and Mbeumo as United pushed for an opener.
That resistance finally crumbled early in the second half when Bruno Fernandes drove United forward on the counter and picked out Mbeumo, who finished clinically from the left following his return from AFCON.
Dorgu Doubles Advantage as Guardiola’s Side Stumble
United extended their lead 11 minutes later as Rico Lewis was caught out defensively, allowing Dorgu to ghost in and convert a low delivery from Matheus Cunha.
The hosts could have added further goals, with three efforts ruled out for offside and Diallo striking the post, but City rarely threatened a recovery. Haaland, now with just one goal in seven league matches, was largely ineffective before being substituted.
United Rise as City’s Title Push Falters
As United supporters saluted Carrick at full-time, Pep Guardiola watched on in frustration as City’s Premier League winless run stretched to four matches, handing Arsenal the chance to strengthen their hold on the title race.
The result lifts United temporarily into fourth place, offering optimism after a challenging period and giving Carrick and his coaching staff an ideal platform to build upon.