Carrick's United has got some serious character! Relentless Mbeumo and Dorgu shine to kill City

A breath of fresh air so desperately needed at Old Trafford, or just another short-term illusion? The time will tell.

What we know for now is that Michael Carrick has injected unprecedented energy into Manchester United, guiding them to a massive, much-deserved Premier League triumph against Manchester City (2-0) on Saturday afternoon.

It is not about numbers and names on the scoreboard, and they show that Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu were the heroes of the day. Only a few days after returning to England from the AFCON 2025, the relentless Cameroonian striker finally managed to find the back of Gianluigi Donnarumma's net in the 65th minute, after almost half a dozen incredible saves by the visitors' keeper.

That was just a prelude to Dorgu's immaculate finishing as the Danish forward of Nigerian origins pounced on a cross from the right 11 minutes later to wrap up this high-voltage 198th Manchester derby.

Carrick's coaching masterpiece destroyed Pep Guardiola's once-unbreakable wall, tearing it apart in front of 70,000 passionate fans.

Straight from the kick off, there was no dilemma whatsoever about the direction of this game, as the home side was looking far better. On the wings of their supporters and with almost palpable desire, United were pushing for the opener the second the ball started bouncing. And they never stopped.

Harry Maguire hit the crossbar with an early header before Dorgu came close to scoring, but Gigio showed up to deny that excellent effort. And did that to Mbeumo, reacting superbly to his volley.

When even Donnarumma was unable to save it - offside was there to prevent City's collapse. At least, temporarily.

The Red Devils netted twice, but their goals were ruled offside. Alas, it was just a sign of what was about to happen.

When you press that much, and push that much, and launch countless sprints, tackles and - with such levels of energy - you deserve to be awarded.

He who dares, as they say... and Carrick's United dared.

It was a lovely counter, with Bruno Fernandes as a key operator, as the Portuguese midfielder deployed Mbeumo on the left for a remarkable finish. Not even Donnarumma could stop that, 1-0!

We expected to see Man City's instant response, but Rodri, Foden, Haaland and the rest of the skyblue crew were below par today.

And the punishment for that was almost instant.

Cunha sent a sharp cross, finding Dorgu in the heart of the box, for a clinical tap-in and there was no way back for Pep's men, 2-0.

Moreover, it could have ended much worse for the visitors, as Amad Diallo hit the woodwork after he cruised past Donnarumma and City's back line, while Mason Mount's stoppage-time goal was voided due to a narrow offside in the build-up.

Surprising outcome? Sure. Deserved? Even more. United are back on track, City seem completely clueless and guess who's smiling right now? Arsenal, of course. The EPL title is just a few steps away.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 22

Saturday

Manchester United - Manchester City 2-0 (0-0)

/Mbeumo 65, Dorgu 76/

18.00: (1.75) Chelsea (4.00) Brentford (4.80)

18.00: (2.25) Leeds (3.45) Fulham (3.45)

18.00: (1.23) Liverpool (6.75) Burnley (15.0)

18.00: (2.70) Sunderland (3.20) Crystal Palace (2.85)

18.00: (1.75) Tottenham (3.90) West Ham (5.00)

20.30: (6.00) Nott.Forest (4.25) Arsenal (1.55)

Sunday

17.00: (4.80) Wolverhampton (4.00) Newcastle (1.75)

19.30: (1.70) Aston Villa (4.00) Everton (5.30)

Monday

23.00: (1.90) Brighton (3.80) Bournemouth (4.20)

***odds are subject to change***