Liverpool legend reveals how Michael Carrick destroyed Man City

Manchester United surprised the whole English football world by defeating Man City 2-0, particularly due to how the Red Devils performed and overwhelmed their opponents, something nobody believed possible.

Michael Carrick, who was appointed as Manchester United’s interim manager, faced the daunting challenge of Pep Guardiola’s Man City. However, Carrick orchestrated an inspiring performance at Old Trafford. Two second-half goals from Bryan Mbuemo and Patrick Dorgu secured United’s first victory of 2026.

This included the decision not to use a traditional striker, while giving an opportunity to Kobbie Mainoo – a player once “forgotten” but now praised by many, including Jamie Carragher.

Speaking on Monday Night Football, Carragher commended Carrick’s tactical approach: “It feels like a very ‘fundamental’ approach, and I mean that positively. They only had a few days of training on the field. The way they played reminded me of my playing days. It gave off a nostalgic vibe: zonal pressing, shifting the ball to one side, then organizing pressure from there.”.

“When it comes to ‘going back to basics’, there’s one thing no one can stop you from doing: running without the ball. And Manchester United did that exceptionally well,” Carragher praised.

Carragher also highlighted the statistics of off-the-ball distance covered by Manchester United this season. Notably, four of the top five players in this category — Mainoo (7.9 km), Patrick Dorgu (7.2 km), Amad (7 km), and Bruno Fernandes (6.7 km) — all made an impact in the match against Man City.

Among them, Mainoo was emphasized by Carragher, who analyzed how United’s zonal pressing exploited a weakness in one of Man City’s least experienced players, Max Alleyne.

“The standout for me was Mainoo. He played brilliantly alongside Casemiro — who also had an excellent game. They formed a truly effective partnership. But it’s not just about running a lot; it’s about the tactical idea behind it,”Carragher explained.

“Mainoo often surged forward from central midfield. What does that imply? In recent years, a major issue for United has been Casemiro being left alone in midfield. When his midfield partner pushes forward to stop one of the world’s best playmakers from controlling the game, Amad and Dorgu have to tuck inside, narrowing the team’s shape, just like Giggs and Beckham used to do,” the Liverpool legend added.

Carragher’s comments pleased many Manchester United fans, especially the English supporters, as United is gradually returning to the club’s identity with Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary 4-4-2 formation. Carrick made some adjustments to fit modern football, but United’s display against Man City revived a lot of inspiration at Old Trafford.

Given his interim role, restoring the club’s identity and pride in playing for Manchester United will be Carrick’s top priority. Based on what was shown at Old Trafford last weekend, Carrick’s tenure at United promises to be far from dull.