Five things we learnt as Carrick’s United roll back the years to smash meek City

Manchester United welcomed Manchester City to Old Trafford for Michael Carrick’s first game in charge. Senne Lammens started in goal with Harry Maguire returning to the starting line-up to play alongside Lisandro Martinez.

Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot started at full-back with Kobbie Mainoo partnering Casemiro in midfield. Patrick Dorgu and Amad started either side of Bryan Mbeumo, who returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Here are five things we learnt from the match.

Cursed offside flag

United put in a highly impressive first 45 minutes against their old rivals.

They had the ball in the back of the net twice through Amad and Bruno Fernandes. Frustratingly, the linesman’s flag arrived late and cut short manic United celebrations.

Carrick’s side had significantly less possession in the first half but sprung forward with energy and found themselves in numerous threatening positions.

Maguire, Dorgu and Mbeumo all passed up opportunities to open the scoring, which served as another reminder of how the club’s wastefulness in front of goal has massively hindered progress this season.

Mason Mount would score in added time, but unbelievably it was a third goal ruled out for offside.

Carrick tactically spot on

There was much anticipation over how United would approach the game in Carrick’s first match, and the Old Trafford crowd were not disappointed.

United came flying out of the traps, hitting the crossbar after just three minutes. The Red Devils happily gave City possession in non-threatening areas but pressed like demons when the defence was struggling on the ball.

In a tribute to the Ferguson era, which Carrick was such a key component of, United sprung forward with intent and caused the City defence numerous issues.

Classic counter-attack

United finally made their pressure count with a stunning, explosive counter-attack.

The Red Devils sprung from a free-kick and reached the opposition area in seconds. Dorgu, Fernandes and Mbeumo put together an artwork, but not even the inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma could keep out the shot.

It was a classic United counter of another era and one the home fans will dream of seeing over and over again under Carrick.

Amad and Mbeumo: how we missed you

United had to make do over the festive period without their African duo owing to their AFCON responsibilities.

The Red Devils missed them immensely and often looked rather toothless in attack. It was the opposite today, as United roared forward with confidence, much to the delight of the Old Trafford crowd.

With options like Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko to call on off the bench, United fans will be a lot happier with their prospects for the rest of the season.

Lisandro Martinez silences his doubters

Before the match, former United players Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes argued that Lisandro Martinez would be bullied by City attacker Erling Haaland.

The one they call the Butcher responded. Martinez, alongside Maguire, put in an outstanding performance, silencing the prolific striker.

There was one moment when the Argentine entirely ignored their size difference and thrust Haaland off the ball with ease, much to the delight of The Theatre of Dreams.

United fans can only hope he can stay fit for the rest of the season.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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