Michael Carrick reveals huge ‘gamble’ he took with Man Utd star in Man City win

Michael Carrick reveals huge ‘gamble’ he took with Man Utd star in Man City win Tony Mogan Published January 17, 2026 5:27pm Updated January 17, 2026 5:27pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments Carrick got a huge win in his first game in charge (Picture: Getty)

Michael Carrick admitted he took a ‘calculated gamble’ with Harry Maguire’s fitness in Manchester United’s derby victory over Manchester City.

The former captain made his return to action in last weekend’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton, coming off the bench late on after missing his side’s last 10 games with a hamstring injury.

His last start for the club was against Tottenham in early November but was thrown back into the starting XI by Michael Carrick on Saturday afternoon in his first game in charge as interim head coach.

United turned in perhaps their best performance of the season, dominating City as they sealed a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford – having also struck the woodwork twice and seen two goals ruled out for offside.

While Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo were electric in attack, United were resolute at the back with Maguire and Lisandro Martinez keeping City at bay. Erling Haaland did not manage a shot on target all game before being subbed off after 80 minutes.

Maguire completed the full 90 minutes with Carrick admitting post-match it was a risky decision, one he was delighted to see pay off.

‘Licha [Martinez] and Harry they were a block really and they gave us a foundation,’ Carrick said post-match. ‘I felt it was a game for experience and knowing what it feels like. It was a big ask of H [Maguire] and credit to him.

Prefer us to the others? Then tell Google!

As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.

Click here and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Our journalists work hard to deliver the most important stories from around the world

Maguire was a rock at the back against City (Picture: Getty)

‘It’s taken for granted sometimes what players do, but for him to play today and come through it…I’m not going to lie, it was a bit of a calculated gamble with how long he could play.

‘Could he get through it because he’s trained for two or three days after probably eight or nine weeks.

More Trending

1. 

   Man Utd 2-0 Man City: Mbeumo and Dorgu strike to kickstart Carrick interim spell in style

   Channel: Football Football 10 hours ago By Ben Fleming
2. Bernardo Silva makes Arsenal admission after Man Utd hammer Man City
3. Michael Carrick told Ruben Amorim signing is 'not good enough' to start for Man Utd
4. Gary Neville compares Man Utd star to Eric Cantona after 'outstanding' Man City display

‘Just shows you what it means to him and I thought he was fantastic. I thought between him and Licha they were so solid at the back and they could give us a foundation to build up.’

Fernandes shone in his preferred no10 role (Picture: Getty)

Fernandes meanwhile had a sublime game, restored to his advanced role behind the striker having spent much of the season playing in central midfield under Ruben Amorim.

‘I’ve spoken to Bruno. I’ve known him a long time and I thought he was fantastic the way he played the position (no10 role).

‘He’s so clever the way he takes up spaces. He had a big disciplined role with Bryan [Mbeumo] defensively to protect the team from anything coming through the middle.’

Arrow MORE: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal LIVE: Gunners miss chance to go nine points clear after goalless draw

Arrow MORE: Bernardo Silva makes Arsenal admission after Manchester United hammer Manchester City

Arrow MORE: Roy Keane reveals stance on making shock return to Manchester United ‘circus’

Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source Football Newsletter – In The Mixer

Punchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro's football experts, sent straight to your inbox every week.

Team Expand Options ?

Let us know which team you support. Close

Select All Select All Arsenal Arsenal Aston Villa Aston Villa Bournemouth Bournemouth Brighton Brighton Burnley Burnley Chelsea Chelsea Crystal Palace Crystal Palace Everton Everton Fulham Fulham Leeds United Leeds United Liverpool Liverpool Manchester City Manchester City Manchester United Manchester United Newcastle Newcastle Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest Sunderland Sunderland Tottenham Tottenham West Ham West Ham Wolves Wolves Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign Up

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy