From time to time, a singular performance can transform the entire outlook of a struggling football club.
What unfolded during the 198th Manchester derby was not only a breath of fresh air for a disgruntled supporter base but a reminder to all of the capabilities that exist within this United squad.
Led onto the hallowed turf by a one-time midfield legend in Michael Carrick, a new-look assembly saw the 20-time English champions deliver one of the finest performances of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Now, it is imperative to recognise that one swallow doesn’t make a summer, but, with the best of respect to every naysayer, it’s not often a Pep Guardiola side is dismissed in such a manner.
Whether dissecting the defensive intellect of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire or the transitional bravado of a team that looked truly inspired, Carrick’s fingerprints after just three days have left an indelible mark.
It begs the question about where this intensity and desire had gone under Ruben Amorim. Disregarding this is illogical in the grand scheme of things, and the players must absorb their allocations of blame.
Still, there aren’t many Old Trafford outings since Fergie waved goodbye that have unified the majority of the United faithful.
Remarkably, in such a short time, our interim chief has done just that.
Michael Carrick embraces the Manchester United DNA
The magnitude of a Manchester derby is not lost on supporters of either club, and the importance of the result within its majestic city can make or break the days to come.
Naturally, with fans travelling far and wide to savour the experience of this heated affair, the enormity of a game of football is felt across the globe.
Those who took the time to watch witnessed the true definition of champagne football from those in red.
United were a well-oiled machine, brimming with the confidence of the many great teams that graced Old Trafford before them.
We regularly hear about the necessity to embrace the United DNA. Well, if ever there was a performance to elaborate on this, Carrick and his men delivered just that.
| Manchester derby statistics via sofascore.com | Manchester United | Manchester City |
| Possession | 32% | 68% |
| Total shots | 11 | 7 |
| Big chances | 6 | 0 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 1 | 5 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 2.27 | 0.45 |
What’s more is that the 44-year-old didn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel, like so many modern tacticians.
Instead, he applied a basic structure with basic principles. For some, this may seem dismissive, but I assure you it is anything but.
As a community, we always feel that elite athletes should reshape the game. In reality, completing the basics is the foundation for any successful team, and it was a hallmark of Carrick’s remarkable playing career.
United applied this mindset and created endless opportunities. Pep’s side enjoyed an abundance of possession. Regardless, they did nothing with it.
Still, there is bravery and beauty in remaining committed to implementing a set standard within a team of international superstars.
Even more, it is commendable to see bravery in selection, with Matheus Cunha and the in-form Benjamin Sesko omitted from the starting XI.
Few will be getting ahead of themselves after Saturday’s outing because we have witnessed many false dawns from this group of players.
However, the prospect of a trip to North London has been made a little more palatable following a performance befitting those wearing that iconic shirt.
Say what you will about the many disappointments this fanbase has endured. But Mikel Arteta’s group will know they were fortunate in August and will face an altogether different task in their backyard.
The less said about yet another team leak, the better, but that is a frustrating scenario that requires clipping immediately.
Additionally, the magnitude of public criticism we regularly consume from the likes of Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt is a growing blight on this football club.
Pre-match comments about Martinez and his capabilities were dismissed emphatically, as were Roy Keane’s unnecessary rants about the selection of various coaching staff.
You’d have to wonder what any of these ex-players are aiming to achieve with such weekly sensationalism, other than to bolster a social standing amongst an impressionable audience.
Either way, it’s evident that some folk are hell-bent on speaking for the sake of exerting energy, and maybe, they’re better off looking inwards first.
Unsurprisingly, Licha excelled, Carrick’s philosophy was played to perfection, and this outfit feels like it has all of the necessary tools to throw a further spanner in the Premier League title race against Arsenal.
I do not doubt that our aforementioned pundits and podcasters will share their two cents, but for a brief moment, the majority of the Manchester United family is singing from the same hymn sheet.
Even the most ardent of begrudgers can pause their agenda and acknowledge a memorable day at the Theatre of Dreams.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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