“They Deserved It” – Guardiola Hands United Huge Credit After Carrick’s Perfect Old Trafford Start
Pep Guardiola was gracious in defeat as he openly praised Manchester United following their impressive victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford, admitting the Red Devils fully deserved the result after what he described as a “perfect” start under Michael Carrick.
The Manchester Derby lived up to its billing, but it was United who emerged on top, producing one of their most complete performances of the season. For Carrick, newly installed as United’s head coach, it was the ideal way to announce himself to the Old Trafford faithful — beating the champions with authority, intensity, and tactical clarity.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola did not shy away from acknowledging United’s superiority on the day.
“They deserved it,” Guardiola said. “From the first minute they were more aggressive, more intense, and clearer with the ball. We didn’t control the game the way we usually do, and when that happens against a team like United, you pay the price.”
Carrick’s Immediate Impact
Carrick’s appointment was met with curiosity and cautious optimism, but his first home game answered many early questions. United pressed higher, moved the ball quicker, and showed a level of tactical discipline that has often been missing in recent months.
The midfield, an area Carrick knows better than most, was key to United’s dominance. United disrupted City’s usual rhythm, cutting passing lanes and forcing Guardiola’s side into uncharacteristic mistakes. The structure off the ball, combined with sharp transitions, allowed United to repeatedly expose City’s defensive line.
Guardiola was quick to highlight that aspect of the performance.
“They were very well organised,” he said. “You can see the work already. The midfield closed spaces, the defenders were brave stepping out, and when they won the ball, they attacked with purpose. That’s not easy to do against us.”
Old Trafford Reignited
Beyond tactics, the atmosphere at Old Trafford played a crucial role. From kickoff, the stadium was electric, with fans fully behind Carrick and his players. United fed off that energy, starting fast and never allowing City to settle into their usual passing patterns.
Guardiola acknowledged the influence of the crowd, noting that United used home advantage to maximum effect.
“Old Trafford was Old Trafford today,” he said. “The crowd pushed them, and they responded. When you start the game like that, with confidence and belief, everything becomes easier.”
A Statement Win
While it is still early days for Carrick, the victory sends a powerful message. Beating Manchester City is not just about three points — it is about belief, momentum, and setting standards. United looked like a team with a clear plan and renewed hunger, something supporters have been desperate to see.
For City, the defeat serves as a reminder of how fine the margins are at the top level. Guardiola admitted his side struggled to cope with United’s intensity and accepted responsibility for not finding solutions quickly enough.
“We have to learn from it,” he said. “When the opponent is better, you accept it and improve. Today, United were better.”
What It Means Going Forward
For Manchester United, Carrick’s “perfect” Old Trafford start provides a platform to build on. Confidence within the squad will be high, and the fans appear ready to fully back the new era if performances like this continue.
For Guardiola, the praise was genuine, not diplomatic. His words reflected respect for a rival who, on the day, outworked and outplayed his team.
As the final whistle blew, the message was clear: Manchester United earned this win, and under Michael Carrick, a new chapter may be beginning — one that even Pep Guardiola can’t help but admire.
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