Michael Carrick’s stunning resolution as embarrassing Man Utd crushed amid controversial resolution
Manchester United have lost the first derby of the season as they put in an embarrassing performance against their most bitter of rivals
Michael Carrick’s side were beaten on derby day(Image: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick looked as confused as the tens of thousands of Manchester United fans packed into Old Trafford as, after a lengthy stoppage, Erling Haaland wheeled off in celebration.
It was hardly an instant classic on Sunday afternoon, and it was a clash that was defined by two decisions made by Michael Oliver and VAR – one going for the Red Devils the second, a more damning blow, going against them.
However, from the moment Phil Foden was given his marching orders and Bruno Fernandes remained on the pitch, United should have driven a hammer through the heart of City. And they didn’t.
The first major talking point was the red card(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Foden petulantly lashed out at Bruno Fernandes – after he was shoved to the ground and kicked. The decision split pundits and fans, many baffled how Fernandes was allowed to remain on the pitch.
United had been by far the better team – but played with something of an arrogance when they had the man advantage.
Carrick’s side were slow and lethargic on the ball, playing as if the red card was a goal itself. Carrick needed to send Benjamin Sesko onto the pitch earlier than he did. United never, truely, looked like they would score.
Erling Haaland was the difference maker on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)
Their first shot on target, after Foden’s red card, came in the 70th minute. It was nothing short of unacceptable.
The second decision – the one that went against United – saw City take the lead as Haaland lashed the ball past Senne Lammens. The Norwegian was played onside by Patrick Dorgu, but questions were raised over whether Enzo Fernandez was interfering with play. VAR decided he wasn’t.
City fans might point to the controversial decision involving Marcus Rashford and Fernandes back in the 2022/23 season, when United benefited from a similarly contentious offside call.
Man Utd were nothing short of an embarrassment(Image: Getty Images)
And if United’s game management before the goal was bad, it got exponentially worse after Haaland made the difference.
United seemed more concerned with conceding cheap fouls rather than attacking the City goal – and when they did, it was cross that sailed over everybody’s head.
It was a poor display from United, in a game that should have been won. And, as a result, leaves a stain on their start to the season – four points from four games, eight points behind their city rivals, who remain perfect.
