Michael Carrick era begins with commanding Manchester Derby victory

The result marked United's second win in eight matches across all competitions and could prove a turning point in their season. From the opening moments, Carrick's players responded to the occasion, feeding off a fierce derby atmosphere and showing intensity that had been missing in recent weeks.

United were almost ahead inside three minutes when Harry Maguire met Bruno Fernandes' corner with a powerful header that struck the post. The home side continued to press and created several clear openings before the break.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was called into action to deny Patrick Dorgu, before United thought they had scored twice. Amad Diallo and Fernandes both rounded the goalkeeper and finished calmly, only for each effort to be ruled out for offside.

City dominated possession but struggled to turn control into threat. Their best chance of the first half came from Max Alleyne's header, which was well saved by Senne Lammens.

The second half started at a slower pace, but Donnarumma again kept City in the contest as United grew stronger. He denied Amad at close range and then reacted quickly to block Casemiro's attempted chip from the rebound. Moments later, he produced his best save of the match to keep out Bryan Mbeumo's volley at the far post.

United finally made the breakthrough in the 65th minute. Fernandes drove forward on the counter-attack before slipping in Mbeumo, who finished first time into the bottom corner. City looked short of urgency in response and were unable to bring Erling Haaland into the game.

The home side sealed the result 14 minutes from time when Dorgu met Matheus Cunha's cross and guided his effort in off the post. United nearly added a third late on, with Amad hitting the woodwork and Mason Mount seeing a stoppage-time goal ruled out for offside.

The win lifts United provisionally into the top four ahead of the rest of the weekend's fixtures, while City's title challenge takes another hit. Arsenal now have the chance to move nine points clear at the top of the table.