Michael Carrick delivered one of Manchester United's best results of the season with a thumping 2-0 derby triumph against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Having feared the worst heading into the game, United kept the score goalless in the first half, and even enjoyed the better of the chances. Twice the home side saw goals ruled out for late offside flags, while Harry Maguire rattled the crossbar from no more than six yards out. There was more than a touch of fortune about it though, given Diogo Dalot was lucky to have avoided a red card for a tackle on Jeremy Doku, with even Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane admitting it should've been a sending off.
There was no let-up in the second half, with United starting fast and eventually getting their reward with an opener in the 65th minute. Bryan Mbeumo broke in behind the City backline and finished comfortably, while a stylish effort from Patrick Dorgu put the icing on the cake 11 minutes later.
Senne Lammens - 6
Wouldn't have expected to have such a quiet afternoon against the league's leading goalscorers, but it was as comfortable as the shot-stopper could imagine.
Diogo Dalot - 3
Knee high and studs first on Doku, but it wasn't deemed dangerous enough by VAR to warrant an intervention. A huge slice of luck for the full-back, who wasn't much better with his efforts in the final third.
Harry Maguire - 8
An absolute colossus at the back and didn't give Erling Haaland a sniff throughout the contest. He's been unfairly criticised at times throughout his United career, but if this is to be his last season in red, the Englishman will remember this performance fondly.
Lisandro Martinez - 8
The second of the immense centre-back partners and another who froze Haaland out of the match. He's been forced to wait patiently after a long injury, but my goodness, is the Argentine a major asset to this time.
Luke Shaw - 6
Looked shaky in the opening part of the game and went flying into unnecessary tackles. Settled well after picking up a needless yellow card and
Casemiro - 7
It's over 18 months since Jamie Carragher said the football had left him, but after showings like that, it's like the midfielder is getting better with age. Was part of a United midfield that bullied their City counterparts.
Bruno Fernandes - 8
And to think there were some at the club who reportedly wanted to sell him! A sensational showing from the United skipper who was tormenting City throughout the match.
Kobbie Mainoo - 7
Ran his socks off on what was his first Premier League start of the season, and he was exactly what the crowd wanted to see in this feisty local affair.
Amad - 7
Patrick Dorgu - 9
Who saw this coming? One of Carrick's surprise inclusions in the starting XI, but the wing-back, playing more like an orthodox winger, was the best player on the pitch. Capped off a stellar performance with a wonderfully taken goal
Bryan Mbeumo - 8
What a difference he makes to United's attack. It was only the brilliance of Gianluigi Donnarumma that prevented the attacker from finding an opener sooner, and when presented with the breakaway chance 65 minutes into the game, he tucked it away with confidence.
Substitutes:
Matheus Cunha - 6
Mason Mount - N/A
Wasn't on the pitch long, but almost had a goal for himself. Will be hoping for a run of games to put him back in contention.
Ayden Heaven - N/A
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