Manchester United opened the new year with a commanding 3‑1 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford on 17 January 2026, marking Michael Carrick’s first match in charge. Rashford’s early strike, followed by goals from Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw, silenced Pep Guardiola’s side and propelled the Red Devils into sixth place, reviving hopes of European qualification.
Carrick’s Stunning Start
From the opening whistle, United adopted an aggressive approach that caught the visitors off guard. The first half remained balanced until the 28th minute, when Marcus Rashford recovered a loose ball, threaded a pass to Antony, and the latter fired a low cross‑shot past Ederson to give United the lead. The Red Devils dominated possession, holding the ball for roughly 58 % of the half and winning the midfield battles.
Guardiola’s City responded with patience, using Kevin De Bruyne’s movement and Erling Haaland’s pace to create chances. United’s back line, marshaled by Lisandro Martínez and Victor Lindelöf, stayed compact behind a five‑man defense, while the front‑line pressed high, forcing City into errors.
A Near 5‑0 Derby
United’s dominance continued after the break. In the 57th minute a fluid passing sequence ended with Bruno Fernandes striking an unguarded shot for his second goal of the season. Five minutes later, substitute Luke Shaw capitalized on a swift counter‑attack, adding his second of the match and pushing the score to 3‑1.
City reduced the deficit in the 78th minute when Haaland tapped in a rebound, but the goal was insufficient to change the outcome. The final whistle confirmed a 3‑1 victory, a result that many described as a “near‑blowout” for the Red Devils.
Context and Background
Both clubs entered the derby with contrasting ambitions. Manchester City, champions in the previous two seasons, aimed to reclaim the title after slipping to fourth place with 41 points. Guardiola’s possession‑heavy style struggled against United’s well‑organized defense.
Manchester United, meanwhile, were in a transition phase after finishing seventh in 2024/25 and parting ways with Erik ten Hag. Carrick, a former United midfielder and long‑time assistant, implemented a “compact defense + quick counter‑attack” system that proved effective in his debut.
Implications for the Table and Team Morale
- League position: The three points moved United to sixth, five points behind City and three behind the fourth‑place spot, reigniting a push for Champions League qualification.
- Player confidence: Performances from Rashford, Shaw and Fernandes highlighted their importance in Carrick’s tactical setup.
- City’s concerns: The loss raised questions about City’s ability to break down disciplined defensive units, prompting Guardiola to consider adjustments to his pressing strategy.
Looking Ahead
The derby will be remembered as a showcase of tactical discipline and attacking efficiency for United. If Carrick can maintain defensive solidity while exploiting rapid transitions, the Red Devils could become serious contenders for European spots.
For Manchester City, the upcoming clash with Liverpool will be crucial to restore confidence and keep their title challenge alive. Guardiola must adapt his approach to avoid being neutralized by teams employing compact defenses.
