United Review | city at home

United 2 - 0 city

A magical Saturday afternoon

Author | Lee Francis

Michael Carrick made five changes from the side that faced Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup last Sunday. Amad and Mbeumo returned straight to the starting line-up following their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Harry Maguire made his first start since 8 November after recovering from a hamstring injury. 

Luke Shaw and Casemiro were also recalled, although Shea Lacey missed out due to suspension after his red card in the previous game.

Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, made three changes from City’s midweek Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win at Newcastle. Gianluigi Donnarumma came back in goal in place of James Trafford, with Rico Lewis and Rodri replacing Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly. Antoine Semenyo was handed his Premier League debut following his move from Bournemouth.

Quick analysis of what happened

Second-half strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu sealed a richly deserved victory for the Reds, who saw three goals chalked off for tight offside calls and struck the woodwork twice. The win lifted us temporarily up to fifth in the Premier League and felt fully merited on the balance of play.

It was our first three points of 2026 and a dream start in the dugout for our former midfielder, with United also gaining a measure of revenge for the 3-0 defeat at the Etihad back in September.