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ABSOLUTELY DORG-EOUS!

Scottish Sunday Express

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January 18, 2026

Patrick finishes job as demolition derby win gives Carrick the perfect start to his bid to secure United manager's gig full-time

- BY JEREMY CROSS

AS auditions go, Michael Carrick produced the perfect performance.

Whether he will be handed the leading role on a permanent basis come the summer remains to be seen.

But while Rome wasn't built in a day, leaving Manchester City’s title hopes in possible ruins is not a bad way for Carrick to start laying new foundations for the crumbling giants he has taken control of.

United were given a script to stick to from Carrick - and didn't fluff a single line.

Turning this into a demolition derby which left City smashed to smithereens.

It has taken Carrick just one game to get the best rendition of the season from a team which, at times, has looked incapable of beating an egg.

In one fell swoop, the interim manager has turned United into a side resembling one Sir Alex Ferguson used to produce.

While leaving the great Pep Guardiola humbled and humiliated in the process.

Rarely has there been an afternoon of more contrasting emotions for two managers.

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2 mins

January 18, 2026

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