TODAY WAS SPECIAL: CARRICK

United silence 'noisy neighbours' in his first game, but manager not getting carried away

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Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo celebrating with Amad Diallo after scoring the opening goal in the Premier League match against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Jan 17. United won 2-0. PHOTO: AFP

(AFP)

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick had an enormous task on his hands, but that did not stop him from leading his men to an impressive 2-0 Premier League win over rivals Manchester City on Jan 17 in his first game in charge.

The stunning victory at Old Trafford also meant that Pep Guardiola’s City side suffered a huge blow to their title hopes.

They were six points behind leaders Arsenal, who could extend it to nine if they beat Nottingham Forest in the later match which kicked off after press time.

Second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed the famous triumph for the Red Devils.

“I don’t want to get carried away with all the (United) DNA kind of thing,” said Carrick.

“We wanted to play well. We certainly wanted to be good defensively as a team.

“We felt we had a threat in transition. When we did have the ball I thought we looked dangerous.

“I couldn’t ask for any more. The boys took everything on tactically and dealt with it emotionally.

“For so many reasons, today was special. I am not getting carried away, it is just one game.