The first match of the Michael Carrick era at Manchester United felt almost like a football fairytale. Back at a buzzing Old Trafford, the Red Devils delivered a statement performance, beating their city rivals Manchester City and sending shockwaves across the football world.

While the opening period was cagey, the game truly came alive after the break. United struck first with a lightning-fast counter-attack that perfectly captured the spirit Carrick is trying to instil. Bruno Fernandes released Bryan Mbeumo into space, and the forward kept his composure, taking a touch to steady himself before calmly finishing past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Just ten minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage. After a clever pass from Matheus Cunha, Dorgu met the ball on the volley and rifled it into the net, sparking wild celebrations in the stands. United suddenly looked confident, sharp and hungry — everything City were not.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Manchester United - Manchester City 2:0 (0:0)
Goals: Mbeumo, 65 (1:0); Dorgu, 76 (2:0)

Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot; Maguire; Martínez Li.; Dorgu; Shaw L. (Heaven, 91); Fernandes B. (Mount, 91); Casimiro (Ugarte, 81); Mainoo; Mbeumo (Cunha, 71); Diallo
Substitution: Cunha (from 71); Ugarte (from 81); Heaven (from 91); Mount (from 91)
Bench: Bayındır; Malacia; Yoro; Fletcher; Sesko
Yellow Cards: Dalot 11; Shaw L. 17

Manchester City: Donnarumma G.; Ake; Khusanov; Alleyne (O'Reilly, 46); Lewis R.; Rodri; Bernardo Silva (Reijnders, 80); Foden (Cherki, 46); Håland E. (Mukasa, 80); Doku J. (Aït-Nouri, 80); Semenyo
Substitution: Cherki (from 46); O'Reilly (from 46); Aït-Nouri (from 80); Reijnders (from 80); Mukasa (from 80)
Bench: Trafford; Bettinelli; Mfuni; McAidoo
Yellow Cards: Rodri 45; O'Reilly 48; Lewis R. 75