MICHAEL CARRICK’S spell in charge of Manchester United got off to the perfect start against City.
Bryan Mbeumo broke the deadlock in the 65th minute after United had two goals disallowed for offside in the first-half.
Patrick Dorgu then sent the home fans into dreamland after pouncing on Rico Lewis’ error in the 76th minute.
Here’s how the players rated…
Senne Lammens – 6
Enjoyed a quiet first half and hour before conceding a bizarre corner with Doku’s shot flying well wide. Recovered well with a huge save from the resulting set-piece.
Diogo Dalot – 5
The weak link. The Portugal fullback was booked and was lucky to have avoided a red in the 10th minute.
Put a nail in every United attack in the final third in the first-half but was more steady in the second-half.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Silenced the critics. Clearly ignored the unnecessary midweek criticism from Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt as Erling Haaland did not pick him up and throw him in the net.
The Argentine was on hand to block Haaland’s first shot at goal in the 54th minute and pushed forward with glare and poise.
Harry Maguire – 8
A welcomed return to his first Prem appearance since November 8. But he nodded against the crossbar from point-blank range inside three minutes.
Delivered great balls into the front-line in the second-half and was colossal at the back as he headed everything clear.
Luke Shaw – 7
Got back intercepted Foden who was through on goal but naively booked after making retaliatory challenge after ref Anthony Taylor ignored a foul on his team-mate
Casemiro – 7
Should have scored, but excellent recovery tackle on Haaland after Kobbie Mainoo gave the ball away.
The Brazil captain made key interceptions but committed too early to challenges in front of his box to leave space for City and was so poor on the ball.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5
Great on the ball again but game passed him by at times with Fernandes so influential to proceedings.
What was Ruben Amorim thinking leaving Mainoo on the bench for the best part of a year? He deserves a run in the team.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
The engine of this United side is simply irreplaceable. He linked up superbly with Mbeumo and delivered several stunning crosses into the box.
His seventh assist of the season produced a perfect Manchester United goal to feed Mbeumo. Spread the ball out to Amad for another chance.
Patrick Dorgu – 8
The Dane continued to grow in confidence in another adapted position, this time at left-wing.
The January 2025 signing made aggressive runs and was lively on the ball but is still lacking composure in his end product.
That said – he did nab United’s second.
Amad – 7
Looked slightly rusty early on after being thrown straight in from Ivory Coast’s Afcon elimination. Was caught offside for Mbeumo’s disallowed goal.
He perked up in a lively second-half showing after finding space on the right. Denied 3-0 after smacking the post.
Bryan Mbeumo – 8
The Cameroon star drifted wide and deep in his role as a false nine. He should have smelt blood with 20-year-old Max Alleyne starting nervy.
Was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma on several occasions before his expert low finish broke the deadlock.
SUBS
Matheus Cunha (for Mbeumo, 70) – 7
Bounced back from his benching to assist United’s second after picking out Dorgu. Was denied another assist after a long VAR check for Mount’s goal.
Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 81) – 5
Was solid enough in the final 10.
Mason Mount (for Fernandes, 90) – N/A
Scored with his first touch second after coming on but it was later ruled out.
Ayden Heaven (for Martinez, 90) – N/A
A late introduction.
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