Gary Neville has praised the Manchester United player who made more clearances than Harry Maguire in the impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City.
Carrick’s Man U easily defeat Man City
Michael Carrick enjoyed a dream start to life in the Man United hotseat with a morale-boosting 2-0 derby win against Manchester City as Brian Mbeumo and Patrick Dawg chased the title.
The 198th competition between the crosstown rivals saw the Premier League host team finish second after starting the opening day in seventh place, with the former Red Devils midfielder, captain and coach taking charge for the first time since his return.
Carrick was appointed head coach until the end of the season this week and immediately oversaw improvements, with second-half goals from Mbeumo and Dorg giving United a deserved victory against a rejuvenated City team at Old Trafford.
It was an impressive overall performance from the hosts, who overcame a rocky two weeks following Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious sending off to en route to their first win since Boxing Day.
Josep Guardiola’s side did little to threaten Carrick’s side, but Carrick would have won even more had it not been for Gianluigi Donnarumma’s brilliant saves, three goals ruled out for offside.
Manchester United are preparing a staggering offer of more than £80m for ‘Iniesta-esque’ La Liga star
The Red Devils are prepared to spend a lot of money.
Stuttering title challengers City are probably upset that Diogo Dalot wasn’t sent off for an early challenge on Jeremy Doku, but Manchester’s red side won’t be bothered one bit.
Carrick’s joy at Saturday’s lunchtime victory was palpable as he continued a three-game unbeaten run as caretaker manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjær was sacked in November 2021.
Gary Neville praises ‘amazing’ Martinez
It could have been a better result for the Red Devils in the Manchester derby if their goal had been allowed. Carrick’s side had not one, not two, but three goals disallowed for offside, including Bruno Fernandes’ goal.
This received high praise from manager Neville, who described Martinez’s role as “excellent” before the flag ultimately stopped Fernandes from celebrating.
“It’s tight. Really, really tight. He makes an unbelievable run, Bruno Fernandes. Great pass from Lisandro Martinez. He does well with the long distances of Fernandes. What composure.”
This wasn’t the only time Martinez was impressed. Starting next to Harry Maguire, the Argentine defender dominated Erling Haaland from start to finish, making eight clearances, three more than his partner.
Man United have improved since moving from a much-criticized back three to a back four under Carrick. Lenny Yolo and Aiden Haven also missed out on the starting lineup because the interim manager emphasized experience, but that decision more than paid off.
Martinez vs Man City | statistics |
|---|---|
minutes | 90 |
tackle | 1 |
clearance | 8 |
collect | 2 |
It was a perfect performance from Man United and Martinez responded perfectly. The big question is whether this means he will be Maguire’s partner for the majority of Carrick’s reign. He certainly did a good enough job to earn the role.
