Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City

Photo: Manchester United

Michael Carrick's time as interim head coach of Manchester United started in sensational fashion with a triumphant 2-0 win in the Manchester Derby on Saturday, pushing United back into the race for UEFA Champions League football.

United were in full control of the match from the very first whistle, with the team being boosted by the returns of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo, who both started in place of Matheus Cunha and surprisingly, the in-form Benjamin Sesko.

The changes worked wonders, with United looking threatening across the whole 90 minutes. The first chance fell to Harry Maguire early on, with him having a header strike the bar. United then had two goals disallowed for very marginal offsides.

It was in the second half that United broke the deadlock, as Bruno Fernandes burst through the Manchester City midfield after defending a corner, before feeding Mbeumo, who struck past Gianluigi Donnarumma, who in turn was frustrating United throughout multiple occasions. Patrick Dorgu then sealed the win late on after Cunha sprinted on the right, before finding the Dane who made no mistake from close range.

United struck the woodwork again late on through Amad, and Mason Mount was also denied a stoppage time goal thanks to yet another contentious offside call.

As a result, the match finished 2-0, with a number of impressive displays from United players on Carrick's first game in charge.

Here are the player ratings from a memorable Manchester Derby:

Senne Lammens 6

Had a momentary error when he needlessly conceded a corner, but did well whenever called upon, collecting the ball from cross and also produced a good save against Max Alleyne. Comfortable.

Diogo Dalot 6

Got booked for a reckless challenge very early on, and then produced a couple of sloppy passes. However, he recovered and grew into the game, defending admirably and also helping United on the counter.

Harry Maguire 8

A brick wall on his return to the starting 11. Probably should have scored with his header, but also kept Erling Haaland quiet, winning every single ball and denying City any sort of space.

Lisandro Martinez 8

Silenced the critics in brilliant fashion. Performed a strong sliding block on Haaland in the second half, and read the game very well, keeping City quiet. His passion exuded confidence in the United team.

Luke Shaw 8

Got booked early on, but dealt with Antoine Semenyo and did not allow City a moment of space. Did a brilliant block, and also supported Dorgu going forward. Another excellent display from the experienced defender.

Casemiro 8

A performance that rolled back the years from the Brazilian. While Casemiro should have scored in the second half, he was all over the pitch on Saturday. Made a number of recovery challenges and also helped distribute the ball and control the midfield. Gave his all.

Kobbie Mainoo 8

Combined well with Casemiro to completely seize control of the midfield, not giving City any room. Drifted past Semenyo on one occasion and distributed the ball well, keeping the play ticking. Should start next week.

Amad 9

What a delight it is to have him back. Did not give Nathan Ake any respite, constantly running at him and giving him trouble. His performance deserved a goal, and he came very close to getting it late on after an excellent run through the City defence, but he unfortunately hit the post. Sensational.

Bruno Fernandes 8

Got unlucky with a very, very narrow offside goal in the first half that denied him a sensational goal, and probably should have done better with a ball that fell to him, trying to find Mbeumo. However, it was a proper Bruno Fernandes performance from the United captain, covering every blade of grass and creating four big chances in the game. He was a thorn in City's defence, and produced a perfect pass to Mbeumo then for his goal.

Patrick Dorgu 9

Started further forward yet again, and was relentless. Looked very sharp on the ball, constantly threatening City's backline. Had a volley in the first half that was saved, but then got his goal late on with an excellent first-time shot from a Cunha cross. If he continues to produce these types of performances further forward, it will be tough for others to take his place.

Bryan Mbeumo 8

Brilliant on his return to the team, working tirelessly to unsettle the City defence, pulling the defenders out of position. Had a great shot saved by Donnarumma, and arguably should have tried his luck with a lofted pass that he left for Dorgu. He was clinical later in the second half after making a darting run, not getting fazed by Donnarumma's presence as he bore down on goal.

Substitutes

Matheus Cunha 7

Produced action at both ends. Made an excellent challenge at the edge of his own area, before producing a brilliant run on the right wing to assist Dorgu for his goal.

Manuel Ugarte 6

Came on to solidify the team and hold on to the win, and he did well.

Mason Mount 7

Thought he had produced the perfect cameo after scoring late on, but it was somehow ruled out for offside.

Ayden Heaven 6

Came on for Shaw late on, and slotted into the defence well.

Head Coach - Michael Carrick 10

Was there any sort of fault in the way United performed? No, so he deserves the 10. Had a very, very difficult hand by having to get this United team firing against a City team that is challenging for the title, and he did that. Made some questionable calls such as starting Dalot and Dorgu, while dropping Sesko and Cunha, but the decisions worked wonders. United were all over City and the scoreline probably flattered the away side, as United could have had four or five on the day. He has another big test coming up, so we will have to wait and see what happens.