Manchester United's new manager Michael Carrick could not have hoped for a better start to a challenging job as his under-fire team completed a stunning 2-0 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Carrick's players infused new life into the club and fans as second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu not only raised hopes of a revival but also dented Man City's title hopes.
Mbeumo, who had just returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon, finished sweetly in the 65th minute and Dorgu intercepted Matheus Cunha's cross 10 minutes later to cap an unforgettable evening for United fans.
But for a superb display by City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and three disallowed goals, United would have enjoyed a greater margin of victory. The visitors. however, barely threatened as goal machine Erling Haaland hardly got a look-in.
The result put a huge dent in City's hopes of reeling in Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Instead of closing the gap at the top, Pep Guardiola's team could find themselves nine adrift if Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest later on Saturday.
For United it was the perfect start to Carrick's tenure as they moved provisionally into fourth place.
It was an impressive all-round display from the hosts, who put a fraught fortnight following Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious exit behind them in style on their way to a first victory since Boxing Day.
Carrick’s delight was clear after Saturday win, which followed his unbeaten three-game stint as caretaker after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021.
For the players, it was an especially significant result.
"Unbelievable. Unbelievable. Being here with the fans, with the team we really know how we suffer during the season," United defender Lisandro Martinez told Sky Sports.
"But the only way is putting the face here and showing here who we are. Today is the best moment to do it. Not just the players on the pitch, the staff, everyone was part of that.
"I think one important thing that Michael Carrick said was 'use the energy of the people' and today I think we did it and when we are together like this it is impossible to lose at home."
Amorim's reign came to an end after one victory in their previous six league games, and draws against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley.
But United hit back in stunning style with former midfielder Carrick unveiling a truly attacking outfit.
Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo both had goals ruled out in the first half for offsides while Harry Maguire and Diallo were also denied by the woodwork.
Had substitute Mason Mount's stoppage-time goal not also been ruled out for offside, United would have been celebrating their biggest derby win since 1995.
City would have few complaints as they managed only one shot on target - a header by Max Alleyne superbly saved by Senne Lammens.
