Michael Carrick already destroys Ruben Amorim’s decisions with two simple changes vs Man City
Michael Carrick has instantly improved his chances of staying on permanently as Man United manager after putting their rivals to the sword at Old Trafford.
While many will argue that Diogo Dalot should have been sent off after 11 minutes, it was a resounding result for the Red Devils, who have been through the wringer this season.
Bryan Mbeumo returned from AFCON with a bang, opening the scoring in the 65th minute, before Patrick Dorgu rubbed salt into the wounds, pouncing on slack defending from Rico Lewis 11 minutes later.
The Citizens arrived at the Theatre of Dreams with a weakened squad, as Guardiola was without Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, and the lack of experience in the backline shone through.
Michael Carrick lets Bruno Fernandes shine in his natural position
Gianluigi Donnarumma made several key saves before the Reds took the lead, and he could have won Player of the Match had it not been for Bruno Fernandes, who assisted the opening goal.
Supporters were continuously baffled as Ruben Amorim stuck with his decision to play Fernandes alongside Casemiro in a deep-lying midfield position.
Unsurprisingly, the 31-year-old rarely looked at his best for the Red Devils under the former Sporting CP boss, and he was instantly unlocked by the interim manager against their biggest rivals.
In fact, the exit-linked playmaker created a total of six chances, four of them big chances [FotMob], while also lasting 89 minutes, before being replaced by Mason Mount for some fresh legs.
Kobbie Mainoo is a shining star at Old Trafford
That was not Carrick’s only genius move. Amorim was hammered over his treatment of Kobbie Mainoo, and in the middle of the park, he was one of the best players on the pitch, without a doubt.
Guardiola’s side were rarely given a second to think in possession when near the penalty area, and Carrick has Mainoo to thank for that, and what a relief it is that the former manager didn’t drive him out.
Before being given the nod against Brighton in the FA Cup, the 20-year-old had not started since the infamous defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, somehow.
Carrick has already put his predecessor to shame with two very simple decisions, and what a time to do it, in the Manchester derby.
Any of those fans who still believe that sacking Amorim was the wrong decision are unlikely to believe that now.