How Carrick outfoxed Pep to enable United to clinch impressive derby victory

"THINK forward, play forward, run forward" has been the message drilled into Manchester United's academy players across decades.

- By STEVEN RAILSTON

Patrick Dorgu celebrates with teammates Matheus Cunha and Harry Maguire after making it 2-0 on Saturday

It's a mindset that has been the foundation for success at the football club.

On Saturday, Michael Carrick went back to basics against Manchester City to help his team produce United's finest Manchester derby performance since the 2024 FA Cup final triumph.

United looked like a proper United team, limiting City to just one shot on target and having three goals disallowed for offside in a dominant 2-0 victory.

It was goalless at halftime, but the home players were applauded back into the dressing room. United's fans finally recognised what they were watching.

"So different, so different," Lisandro Martienz told reporters when asked about Carrick's impact in training.

United were aggressive against City, they played on the front foot, their attitude and mentality were different.

Just 54 days before the Manchester derby, United limped to a humiliating 1-0 defeat to a 10-man Everton at Old Trafford.

The difference between the two performances is chalk and cheese.

Martinez's answer about Carrick's impact spoke volumes about what he and his backroom staff achieved in three days, but it also reflected badly on Ruben Amorim.

United were unshackled against City, and the performance was total vindication of the decision to axe Amorim and appoint Carrick.