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This post is part of my Manchester United Match Reviews, focused on xG, shot quality, and the tactical moments that decided the game. Stats sources: FBref, SofaScore, WhoScored.
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Michael Carrick salutes the Stretford End after delivering a tactical masterclass in his first game as head coach.
Hey everyone,
First off, I owe you an apology for the radio silence. I had to take a step back recently to focus on a massive project at work, and to be honest, the sheer volume of fixtures over the holiday period became a bit overwhelming to keep up with. But what a game to come back to.
What a performance... Saturday felt different. After the tactical rigidity we've seen at times this season, Michael Carrick stepped into the technical area and asked the players to simply use the energy of the crowd and it definitely worked.
Walking away from the stadium, the feeling wasn't just relief, it was shock at the sheer dominance. We didn't just beat Manchester City; we dismantled them. We defended deep, invited them in, and then struck with clinical precision. It was a great performance, and now we need to keep this momentum rolling as we head toward the Emirates.
Table of Contents
What was the most impressive part of the Derby win?
The Match in Numbers
Metric | Man United | Man City | The Quick Read |
xG (Expected Goals) | 2.27 | 0.45 | A complete statistical demolition. |
Possession | 32% | 68% | Controlled the space, not the ball. |
Total Shots | 11 | 7 | Efficiency vs. Aimless recycling. |
Big Chances | 6 | 0 | We carved them open at will. |
Passes in Final 3rd | 77 | 202 | City had the ball; we had the threat. |
Tackles Won | 24 | 13 | We won the physical battle. |
Key Stats You Didn't See on TV
The Big Chance Paradox
The Stat: United created 6 big chances while City created 0.
The Meaning: Despite having nearly 70% of the ball, City failed to create a single high-probability scoring opportunity. United’s defensive block, led by Maguire and Martinez, forced Erling Haaland into a ghost-like performance (only 14 touches).
The Bruno "Record-Breaker"
The Stat: Bruno Fernandes created 4 big chances in a single game against a Pep Guardiola City side.
The Meaning: No player in the last decade has ever managed this in the Premier League. By moving Bruno back into a natural No. 10 role rather than the deeper "Amorim role" we discussed in Player Report: Bruno Fernandes, he was unleashed to destroy City's high line. Access wasn’t the issue. Output was
The Tactical Breaking Point
The Match Momentum chart illustrates how United absorbed sustained City pressure (blue) before striking twice in the second half to kill the game.
The game turned permanently on Bryan Mbeumo's opener. After a clearing header from Harry Maguire, United went "electric." The transition was a four-on-two situation. Bruno Fernandes showed elite composure, delaying his pass just long enough to draw the defenders before finding Mbeumo. It highlighted our dangerous transitions, turning low possession into the most dangerous weapon on the pitch.
Player Ratings & Impact
Key performers based on the eye test and data.
Bruno Fernandes (8.6)
6 key passes and a history-making 4 big chances created. He proved that when he is closer to the opposition goal, he is the best playmaker in the league.
A masterclass in the No. 10 role: Bruno's pass map shows his elite delivery into the final third, anchored by 6 key passes and 8 ball recoveries.
Patrick Dorgu (8.3)
Not just for his goal in the 76th minute, but for his defensive shift. He recorded 4 tackles and won the majority of his duels against a tricky City right side.
Lisandro Martínez (7.2)
8 clearances and 1 blocked shot. He and Maguire played deep to negate the space for Haaland, and it worked to perfection.
Kobbie Mainoo (7.5)
A 91.4% pass accuracy in a high-pressure derby is world-class. He neutralized Rodri's influence and allowed United to transition cleanly.
Final Thoughts
Saturday was the rare moment where the process actually met the outcome. While the usual pundits might scoff at 32% possession, the 6 big chances to 0 tells the real story. We weren't just "lucky" on the break; we were surgical. We stayed compact, trusted the shape, and stayed clinical when it mattered.
But let’s be real, we’ve been here before. One result doesn't fix a season of inconsistency. Next week against Arsenal is the true litmus test. We’ll find out quickly if this "Carrick Bounce" is a genuine structural shift or just a shot of derby adrenaline. For now, though? Manchester is Red. Enjoy it.