Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford has drawn praise from across the sporting world. Michael Carrick’s return to the Manchester United dugout as interim manager brought a performance that re-energised United fans and impressed neutrals alike.

Carrick was recruited on a short-term deal until the end of the season following the departure of Ruben Amorim, with United opting to give themselves longer to find a replacement—key target Oliver Glasner has since confirmed he will leave Crystal Palace in the summer.

On days like this, when the empire strikes back, everything inside Old Trafford feels different. An air of defiance takes hold of Manchester United, players and supporters alike, and the effect — on the pitch, in the stands — can be overpowering.

Kobbie Mainoo has been handed his first Premier League start of the season by Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick for the visit of Manchester City

Carrick’s decisions, of his starting 11, substitutions and tactics, were superb. His previous game in management was Middlesbrough’s 2-0 defeat to Coventry in May. Suffice to say this was very different.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has claimed that Michael Carrick achieved something the club hasn’t managed since Sir Alex Ferguson left during Saturday’s thrilling victory over Manchester