Gary Neville heaps praise on “brilliant” player

Gary Neville heaped praise on one Manchester United player, who made more clearances than Harry Maguire in their stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester City.

Carrick’s Man Utd ease Man City aside

Michael Carrick enjoyed a dream start to life in the Man United hotseat as Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secured a morale-boosting 2-0 derby victory against title-chasing Manchester City.

The 198th competitive meeting of the cross-town rivals saw the side that started the day seventh in the Premier League host second and the Red Devils’ former midfielder, captain and coach take charge for the first time since his return.

Carrick was this week named head coach until the end of the season and oversaw an immediate improvement, with second-half goals from Mbeumo and Dorgu securing United a deserved win against City at a reinvigorated Old Trafford.

It was an impressive all-round display from the hosts, who put a fraught fortnight following Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious exit behind them in style on their way to a first victory since Boxing Day.

Pep Guardiola’s side rarely threatened Carrick’s men, who would have won by more was it not for some impressive Gianluigi Donnarumma saves, the woodwork and three goals being ruled out for offside.

Stuttering title challengers City may well be aggrieved that Diogo Dalot was not sent off for an early challenge on Jeremy Doku, but the red side of Manchester will not care a jot.

Carrick’s delight was clear after Saturday lunchtime’s win, which followed his unbeaten three-game stint as caretaker after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021.

Gary Neville praises “brilliant” Martinez

It could have been so much more for the Red Devils in the Manchester derby, had their goals been allowed. Carrick’s men had not one, not two, but three goals disallowed for offside – including Bruno Fernandes’ effort.

It was a move which received high praise from Neville, who called Martinez’s role “brilliant” before the flag ultimately stopped Fernandes’ celebrations in its tracks.

It’s not the only time that Martinez impressed, either. Starting next to Harry Maguire, the Argentine defender made eight clearances – three more than his partner – and dominated Erling Haaland throughout.

Away from the cristicised back three and into a back four under Carrick, Man United thrived. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven also both missed out on a starting place, as the interim boss opted for experience, and that decision more than paid off.

It was a complete display from Man United and Martinez simply matched that. Whether this means that he will be Maguire’s partner for the majority of Carrick’s reign is now the big question. He’s certainly done enough to earn the role.