Carrick was right about Mbeumo.

The Manchester Derby is always a tough test, and for Michael Carrick, it was also his first real test as Manchester United's interim manager. The 2-0 victory over Manchester City was more than just a point; it reflected a night where Carrick read the game clearly, made coherent decisions, and placed his trust in the right places.

The biggest change lies in the attack. While many were expecting a pure center forward, Carrick opted for a different approach: pushing Bryan Mbeumo up to play as the furthest forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

This isn't a gamble driven by emotion. Carrick needs a mobile striker who can accelerate, press, and exploit the space behind Manchester City's defense. Mbeumo possesses all those qualities.

Mbeumo opened the scoring in the Manchester derby.

Manchester United didn't dominate possession, nor did they rush the tempo of the game. They maintained a moderate defensive block, prioritizing covering the central axis, forcing Manchester City to play down the flanks.

When Manchester United win possession, they transition quickly and directly. No unnecessary complications. No flashy moves. Every attacking move is directed towards a clear objective.

In that system, Mbeumo played a crucial role. He's not the type of striker who touches the ball a lot. In this match, Mbeumo only touched the ball 23 times. But each time he appeared, it was associated with a real threat.

In the first half, the Cameroonian star headed the ball from a long pass by Amad Diallo, but it went wide of the post. In the second half, he penetrated the penalty area to receive a cross from Bruno Fernandes, forcing Donnarumma to make a save.

The opening goal in the 65th minute was the culmination of the entire tactical plan. Manchester United launched a quick counter-attack, Fernandes delivered a perfectly timed pass, Mbeumo sprinted, maintained the tempo, and finished neatly.

A simple yet sharp piece of skill. When the goal came, the game took shape. Manchester City were forced to push forward, giving Manchester United more space to control possession and wait for their opportunities.

Mbeumo has shown incredible effectiveness.

The numbers show how effective Mbeumo is. One goal from an xG of 0.8, three shots, two on target. He may have missed a big chance, but the important thing is not to lose confidence. For a player playing out of position, the ability to stay calm in crucial moments is a big plus.

In midfield, Carrick prioritizes balance. Manchester United don't press blindly. They choose when to press, and select areas to close down space. Fernandes acts as a link between defense and attack.

When they need to speed up, Manchester United speed up. When they need to slow down, they maintain the pace. This proactive approach is rare in their recent derby matches.

This victory shouldn't be blown out of proportion into a long-term statement. One game isn't enough to tell the whole story about Carrick's future. But it's enough to inspire confidence.

The belief that Manchester United can play more disciplined football. The belief that unconventional choices still have a place if they serve the right tactical intent. And the belief that the dressing room is willing to respond to clear instructions.

Old Trafford needed the feeling of victory against a big opponent. The players needed to see their roles calculated, not randomly assigned. On that evening, Mbeumo became the symbol of that spirit: playing simply, effectively, and at the right time.

The Manchester Derby ended 2-0. For Manchester United, this may not be a turning point, but it's a foundation. No fanfare. No grand promises. Just a victory built on the right decisions, and from a new manager just beginning to make his mark.