Man Utd Fans Spot Instant Michael Carrick Tactical Change in Man City Win

Manchester United fans on social media think they spotted a key tactical change from Michael Carrick that helped the Red Devils beat Manchester City 2-0 in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday (January 17).

Carrick’s first game in charge of United following Ruben Amorim’s sacking could hardly have played out better.

United right-back Diogo Dalot was arguably lucky to stay on the pitch after a high tackle on Jeremy Doku in the 10th minute, but he escaped with just a yellow card shown by referee Anthony Taylor.

In what at times was an old-fashioned end-to-end derby with challenges flying in, both sides threatened during the first half before United went ahead via Bryan Mbeumo on 65 minutes.

The Cameroon international finished off a flowing counter-attack, slotting the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma into the far corner to the delight of the United faithful inside Old Trafford.

12 minutes later, Patrick Dorgu made it two, connecting with Matheus Cunha’s cross and getting ahead of defender Rico Lewis.

United had earlier had two goals disallowed for offside – from Amad and Bruno Fernandes – before a third was chalked off after Mason Mount thought he had made it 3-0 in second-half stoppage time, but Cunha was deemed to be offside in the build up, so it remained 2-0.

The win saw United go fourth before Liverpool’s 3 pm kick off against Burnley, while City remain second.

Carrick received plaudits from several ex-players after the match, including Roy Keane, who told Sky Sports: “It has been a perfect afternoon for United. It is not as if they got lucky.

“They dominated the game; they scored two and could have scored more.

“The top players turned up, like Bruno. Players had a big impact. City is a little bit off it. They lack intensity.

“It has been perfect for him [Michael Carrick].”

But what did Carrick change that worked a treat against City?

Fans on social media suggested that a key tactical change made the difference on Saturday, and they have a point.

Aaron’s Analytics explained: “4-2 build-up from goal kicks, but you can see how easily it shifts into a 2-3-5, with Amad drifting inside and Dalot holding the right wing.

“Carrick has implemented clear, simple principles in a short time.

4-2 build-up from goal kicks, but you can see how easily it shifts into a 2-3-5, with Amad drifting inside and Dalot holding the right wing.

Carrick has implemented clear, simple principles in a short time.

Proof you don’t need months to make visible changes. pic.twitter.com/CgGwBq5cem

— Aaron's Analytics (@Aaronsanalytics) January 17, 2026

“Proof you don’t need months to make visible changes.”

Another fan commented: “Spot on about the tactical shift! Carrick's proving simple principles work fast. United look much more balanced already.”

While a third added: “Mainoo connector. Mbeumo + Bruno 9.5/10 combo overloading Rodri. Dorgu is used as a pure runner. This is solid profiling from Carrick so far.”

United return to Premier League action away at Arsenal on Sunday, 25 January.