Man Utd dominate Man City in dream start for Carrick

On Saturday, Manchester United offered Michael Carrick a perfect beginning to his temporary position as manager by securing a 2-0 victory over Manchester City, delivering a major setback to the away sides Premier League title hopes.

The home team controlled the match at Old Trafford and had to hold on until the last 25 minutes for the win, thanks to outstanding performances from Gianluigi Donnarumma and after seeing three strikes disallowed for offside infringements.

Bryan Mbeumo celebrated his comeback from the African Cup of Nations with a powerful shot for the first goal, while Patrick Dorgu confirmed just the second triumph in eight outings for the Red Devils.

The result propels Carricks squad into the top four spots, yet the success resonates strongly in north London too, with Arsenal advancing towards their initial league crown in 22 years.

Mikel Artetas squad has the opportunity to extend their lead to nine points at the summit during their trip to Nottingham Forest later that day.

Carricks daring lineup choices proved successful, as the current hot streak players Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha stepped aside for Mbeumo and Amad Diallo following their AFCON international commitments.

Harry Maguire also featured in his initial start after two months and missed a golden chance within the opening two minutes.

The defender jumped above everyone to connect with Bruno Fernandes corner, yet his close-range header struck the crossbar.

Manchester City appear close to finalising a transfer for Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi, but hampered by defensive injuries, Pep Guardiola opted for young pair Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov in central defence.

The visitors improvised rear guard found it tough to contain United throughout the game and escaped severe embarrassment only due to Donnarummas excellence between the posts.

The goalkeepers initial key moment arrived in the middle of the opening period when he pushed away Dorgus attempt.

Donnarumma suffered two defeats prior to the interval, although both Diallo and Fernandes were flagged offside prior to bypassing the keeper and netting.

Guardiola sought to energise his team with twin changes at the break, bringing on Nico ORiley and Raya Cherki.

However, the Citizens campaign for the crown has diminished quickly amid a four-match drought without a Premier League success since January.

Donnarumma kept frustrating the hosts until after the 60-minute mark with an impressive pair of stops on Diallos fierce shot and Casemiros rebound try.

The away team contributed to their demise when the breakthrough goal emerged with 25 minutes remaining.

Cherkis subpar set-piece enabled United to counter rapidly in force, and Fernandes delivery was ideally timed for Mbeumo to drill a low, forceful effort past Donnarummas outstretched arms.

Matheus Cunha entered as a substitute to add the second, as Dorgu outpaced Rico Lewis to poke home at the far upright.

Guardiola seemed to concede defeat by withdrawing Erling Haaland ten minutes before the end, preserving the forwards stamina amid ongoing battles in four tournaments for City.

Diallo almost capped his remarkable showing by striking the upright in the 90th minute.

Mason Mount then slotted in Cunnas pass on his debut touch after coming on for Fernandes, but VAR intervened once more to aid the opponents with an offside call.

Still, the harm to Manchester Citys championship dreams was irreversible, rendering the triumph even more delightful for Carrick upon his reappearance at the Theatre of Dreams.