United sweep past City to give Carrick a dream start

Manchester United gave Michael Carrick the dream start to his interim tenure as manager on Saturday, beating Manchester City 2-0 to deal a huge blow to their local rivals' Premier League title aspirations.

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The Red Devils dominated at Old Trafford and were only made to wait until the final 25 minutes to seal victory by the inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma and because they had three goals ruled out for offside.

Bryan Mbeumo marked his return from the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) by firing home the opening goal before Patrick Dorgu sealed just a second win in eight games for United.

Victory lifts Carrick's men into the top four, but their win will be celebrated just as much in north London as Arsenal close in on a first league title in 22 years.

Carrick's bold team selection paid off as both the inform Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha made way for the return of Mbeumo and Amad Diallo from their international duties at AFCON.

Harry Maguire also returned for his first start in two months and should have scored inside the first two minutes. The centre-back rose highest to meet Bruno Fernandes' corner but crashed his header off the crossbar from pointblank range.