Manchester United's Mbeumo, Dorgu sink Manchester City to hand Arsenal title initiative

Manchester United handed Michael Carrick a dream start to his interim tenure as manager on Saturday, beating Manchester City 2–0 to deal a devastating blow to their local rivals' Premier League title aspirations.

The Red Devils dominated at Old Trafford but were made to wait until the final 25 minutes to seal victory, largely due to the inspired form of Gianluigi Donnarumma and three goals being ruled out for offside. Bryan Mbeumo marked his return from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by firing home the opening goal, before Patrick Dorgu secured just a second win in eight games for United.

Victory lifts Carrick’s men into the top four, but their win will be celebrated just as fervently in North London as Arsenal close in on a first league title in 22 years.

Carrick’s bold team selection paid off as both the in-form Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha made way for the return of Mbeumo and Amad Diallo from international duty. Harry Maguire also returned for his first start in two months and should have scored inside the first two minutes; the centre-back rose highest to meet Bruno Fernandes’ corner but crashed his header against the crossbar from point-blank range.

City are reportedly set to seal a deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but, currently ravaged by injuries in defence, Pep Guardiola was forced to name inexperienced duo Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov at centre-back. City’s makeshift backline struggled to keep United at bay all afternoon and would have been embarrassed were it not for the brilliance of Donnarumma.

The Italian’s first major intervention came midway through the first half to parry Dorgu’s effort. Donnarumma was twice beaten before the break, but both Diallo and Fernandes had strayed offside before rounding the goalkeeper to score.

Guardiola attempted to awaken the visitors with a double substitution at half-time, introducing Matt O'Riley and Rayan Cherki. However, City’s title challenge has faded fast during a four-game winless run in the Premier League since the turn of the year. Donnarumma continued to defy the home side until beyond the hour mark with a stunning double save from Diallo’s powerful strike and Casemiro’s follow-up.

City played a significant part in their own downfall when the opening goal finally arrived 25 minutes from time. Cherki’s poor free-kick allowed United to break forward in numbers, and Fernandes’ pass was perfectly weighted for Mbeumo to fire low beyond Donnarumma’s reach.

Cunha came off the bench to create the second, as Dorgu caught Rico Lewis sleeping to steal in at the back post. Guardiola appeared to wave the white flag when he replaced Erling Haaland 10 minutes from time to preserve the Norwegian's energy, with City still competing in four competitions.

Diallo nearly capped a stunning individual display when he hit the post in the 90th minute. Mason Mount then rolled in Cunha’s cross with his first touch after replacing Fernandes, only for VAR to come to the visitors’ rescue once more for offside. But the damage to City’s title hopes had already been done, making victory all the sweeter for Carrick on his return to the Theatre of Dreams.

AFP