“Not something I’ve seen for a very, very long time”: United legend explains what Carrick got spot on vs City

Manchester United completely dominated the 198th Manchester derby, eventually emerging 2-0 winners at Old Trafford on Saturday. It was Manchester City’s biggest xG loss since Pep Guardiola took charge, and the scoreline could have easily read 5-0 if not for marginal offside calls and the post coming in between twice. Michael Carrick got his gameplan spot on, with the caretaker head coach playing players in their natural positions. For far too long under Ruben Amorim, the team tried to play in a way that deviated from the club’s history. Carrick has restored the United DNA At times on Saturday, it was eerily reminiscent of how the Red Devils used to play under Sir Alex Ferguson, keeping things compact at the back before springing on the counter. Everytime City attacked, they looked even more vulnerable when the possession was turned over. The first goal was the perfect evidence. United legend Peter Schmeichel attested to the fact, claiming to Premier League Productions that Carrick had restored the United DNA in a very short amount of time. “There was there was no restraint. Go forward. And we saw that in the first goal you had, you know, it’s a defending, it’s a free kick that Harry heads it out, and all of a sudden they’re four against two. Peter Schmeichel was entertained like the good old days “That’s not something I’ve seen for a very, very long time with Manchester United. But that is what Manchester United is historically always has been able to do. “You know, as soon as the ball is won, you go forward and you don’t think about what’s going to happen behind you. “That I think is something they’ve been talking to them about a lot that when you get that opportunity and it was fantastic.” It made for stunning viewing for fans, who will be hoping for more of the same next week when the 20-time English league champions take on Arsenal at the Emirates. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25