Manchester City defeated 2-0 on Saturday to give Michael Carrick the dream start in his interim role as manager, a blow to their local rivals’ hopes of winning the Premier League title.
The inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma and their three offside goals kept Old Trafford’s dominance until the final 25 minutes to seal the victory.
Bryan Mbeumo scored the winning goal in the opening game of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), and Patrick Dorgu, United’s only other win in eight games, sealed his comeback.
Victory places Carrick’s side in the top four, but North London will be as proud of their success as Arsenal, who just won their first league title in 22 years.
When they travel to Nottingham Forest later on Saturday, Mikel Arteta’s men can take a nine-point lead at the top.
The return of Mbeumo and Amad Diallo from their international duties at AFCON was a result of Carrick’s brave team choice.
Harry Maguire should have scored within the first two minutes of his first start in two months.
The centre-back climbed to meet Bruno Fernandes’ corner, but he slammed his header off the crossbar from close range.
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Although Pep Guardiola named an inexperienced duo of Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov at center-back after being injured in his defense, City are expected to close the deal with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
Without Donnarumma’s incredible goalkeeping prowess, City’s makeshift back line struggled to keep United at bay all afternoon and would have been embarrassed.
Midway through the opening period, the Italian made its first significant contribution to parry Dorgu’s effort.
Before the break, Donnarumma had already been defeated twice, but Diallo and Fernandes both scuffled offside before rounding the goalkeeper.
At half-time, Guardiola made a double substitution for Nico O’Riley and Raya Cherki to arouse their interest.
City’s title challenge has quickly faded as a result of their four-game winless run in the Premier League since the start of the year.
Donnarumma’s stunning double save from Casemiro’s follow-up effort and Diallo’s powerful strike kept Donnarumma out of the home side until the hour was up.
When City’s opening goal came in 25 minutes, a significant part in their own demise.
United jumped ahead in numbers thanks to Cherki’s subdued free kick, and Mbeumo fired low and hard beyond Donnarumma’s long levers.
As Rico Lewis was sleeping to steal the ball away at the back post, Cunha made the second play.
Guardiola substituted Erling Haaland 10 minutes into the game’s 10 minutes before the Norwegians could still compete in four different competitions and made an appearance to waive the white flag.
Diallo’s 90th minute header almost sealed a stunning individual display.
Mason Mount then rolled in Cunha’s cross with his first touch after replacing Fernandes, only for VAR to rescue them for offside once more.
City’s title aspirations had already been damaged, making Carrick’s victory in the Theatre of Dreams even more special.
Source: Channels TV
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