‘Boys were fantastic today in so many ways’ – Firstpost

Manchester United’s new chapter got off to a perfect start as
Michael Carrick guided the club to a stunning 2-0 win over Manchester City in his first match in charge. The victory in the 198th Manchester derby lifted the mood around Old Trafford and gave fans fresh hope after a difficult period with Ruben Amorim.

Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed the win for United, who looked more aggressive and full of attacking intent throughout the game. City, who have dominated English football in recent years, struggled to cope with United’s renewed energy and organisation under the new coach.

Carrick lauds his players

Speaking after the match, Carrick admitted it was a dream start but praised the players for how they handled the occasion. He said the team was in a good emotional place before kick-off and felt confident after seeing how well they prepared in training. Carrick also highlighted how important it was to stay flexible against a team like City, who can change the game quickly.

Yeah, it’s a great start, there’s no getting away from that. To be honest, before the game, we spoke as coaches and we said that the boys were in a good place. We were quite happy with the days, how we prepared for it, emotionally where the boys were, the state we were at leaving the changing room. So I was quite happy with that leading into the game but listen, City are an unbelievable team with talent and they can rotate and change things. So there’s a plan and then you’ve got to go to Plan B and C and work around it. So you never really know how the game’s going to go but for it to pan out like that, the boys were fantastic today in so many ways. To manage it emotionally with the information we’ve given them and pulling it together, it was pretty good,” he said.

United took the lead in the 65th minute when Mbeumo finished a quick counter-attack with a low strike into the far corner. Dorgu doubled the advantage 11 minutes later, scoring from close range after beating Rico Lewis to Matheus Cunha’s cross. United could have added more as a Mason Mount goal was ruled out for offside.

Carrick had special praise for captain Bruno Fernandes, who provided another assist and impressed in a deeper attacking role. The United boss also spoke highly of the return of Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire. Carrick described Maguire’s inclusion as a “calculated gamble” given his lack of training time but said the defender showed experience and leadership.

Obviously I’ve spoken to Bruno and I’ve known him a long time now. I thought again he was fantastic today. The way he played the position, he’s so clever and he takes up spaces. He had a big discipline role, him and Bryan [Mbeumo] too defensively as well to protect the team from anything coming through the middle as much as possible. It wasn’t all kind of playing and positivity to that point but he’s just got so much quality. He can adapt and playing in that position he’s a real threat and he made the difference.”

While Carrick was happy with the attacking intent and fight shown by his team, he stressed that consistency will be the real challenge. With tough fixtures ahead, including a clash against Arsenal, Carrick said United must make this level of effort and aggression their new normal.

That’s the challenge ultimately and I think it needs to be a version of normal. Listen, we’re not going to have games with the emotion and feeling and everything that today brought, I think we all understand that. But there’s definitely levels of standards and expectations that we need to live up to from ourselves as much as anyone on the outside. I’m totally aware of that. Consistency is the key to any success and if you can find that, then you’re on to a winner, so that’s our challenge.”