Michael Carrick’s tenure at Manchester United began in the most spectacular fashion possible on Saturday, as his side secured a dominant 2-0 win in the 198th Manchester derby.
Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu, both returning from international duty, sparked scenes of jubilation at Old Trafford.
Despite having three goals ruled out for marginal offsides, United were comfortably the superior side, leaving Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City seven points adrift of the league summit.
Carrick’s tactical shift to a 4-2-3-1 appeared to rejuvenate a squad that had stalled under the previous regime.
The momentum from the derby has shifted immediately to the transfer market. Reports suggest Carrick is keen to reunite with Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, a player he knows well from his time at the Riverside.
Additionally, United are monitoring Wolves’ Joao Gomes as they seek to add energy and resilience to their engine room.
With the January window entering its final fortnight, the club is expected to move quickly to provide Carrick with the tools necessary to sustain a top-four charge.
The immediate focus, however, remains on the pitch, with a daunting trip to face league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium scheduled for next weekend.