A performance to remember it was. Manchester United of old, tight in defence, organised in the midfield and purposeful upfront gave a dressing down to a pale-looking Manchester City in a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.
It was a great beginning to Michael Carrick’s first game in charge of United. He could not have asked for more. Bruno Fernandes, Dorgu and Mbeumo, amongst others, were brilliant, and though Manchester City had more of the ball, United created many more chances and scored 5 goals, of which 3 were disallowed.
United have not been so dominant over City in recent years, and the performance today would have given fans and the owners a lot of heart.
Mbeumo and Diallo had returned from National Duty after Cameroon and the Ivory Coast lost in the quarters of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and along with the young Patrick Dorgu, made a telling difference. Bruno Fernandes was his usual self and controlled the midfield beautifully. Post Ruben Amorim, United had returned to the 4-2-3-1 formation.
The first half went goalless, but a brilliant breakout from Amad Diallo and Mbeumo got United ahead. Diallo set up Mbeumo, and the Cameroonian shot past Donnarumma in an exceptional finish in the 65th minute. It was a goal to remember. It had pace, precision and incredible skill.
Matheus Cunha, coming on as a substitute made a fine run from the right. Placed a perfect centre for Patrick Dorgu to tap in for United’s second goal.
Donnarumma, City’s goalkeeper, was sublime. He made several saves and denied Manchester City an embarrassment. Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo had hit the posts too, such was United’s dominance. The Citizens escaped a thrashing but were totally outplayed by United.
What a win for Carrick’s United.
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