Manchester United found something that night. On November 6, 2021, Old Trafford witnessed a thrilling 3-2 derby victory over crosstown rivals Manchester City. This wasn’t just any win; it snapped City’s 20-game unbeaten Premier League run and gave Man Utd their first derby triumph since 2020. Interim manager Michael Carrick, in charge during a turbulent period, declared his players “really care,” a statement that resonated deeply with fans.
Carrick’s words weren’t empty. His post-match comments, confirmed by Sky Sports, painted a picture of genuine commitment. “The players really care. You can see that. It’s not just words – they showed it today,” he told reporters. This was a direct response to a rough patch for the club, including a heavy 5-0 loss to Liverpool just weeks before.
Old Trafford Erupts as Reds Fight Back
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Young Alejandro Garnacho, just 17, got United off to a flying start in the 2nd minute, assisted by Marcus Rashford. City’s John Stones equalized quickly, then Phil Foden put City ahead in the 78th minute. The atmosphere was tense, but United found another gear.
Cristiano Ronaldo headed in an 81st-minute equalizer from a Jadon Sancho assist, making it 2-2. Then, in the 90+5th minute, Rashford powered home a Bruno Fernandes assist, sending the 73,637 fans into pandemonium. It was a winner that felt earned. United had more possession at 55% and 14 shots, seven on target. City had more shots, 18, but United’s xG was higher, 1.8 to City’s 1.6, according to Premier League official data.
This result pushed United to 6th in the league. City dropped to 3rd. A big statement game.
Carrick’s Belief, Players’ Grit
Michael Carrick, a United legend with 464 appearances, stepped into the interim role after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking. His message after the derby was simple but powerful. “Heroics? Yeah, that’s what it was – pure grit,” he told Sky Sports. Bruno Fernandes echoed the sentiment, telling Amazon Prime Video: “We showed we care. Michael believed in us.”
Even City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged United’s fight. He stated after the match that “United deserved it. Carrick’s team played with heart,” as reported by BBC Sport. Ronaldo took to Instagram, writing: “Team fought like lions. Special night for United.” It wasn’t just a win; it was a defiant performance from a squad many thought lacked passion.
A Brief Interim That Left a Mark
Carrick’s interim spell was short, just three games. He won all three, including a 2-0 Champions League win over Villarreal. The derby win, though, was the standout. It showcased young talent, with Garnacho becoming United’s youngest derby scorer since 1938. Rashford also scored his 100th United goal that night.
His brief time set a tone. Ralf Rangnick, Carrick’s successor, even noted in a December 2021 press conference that “Michael set a great tone. The derby showed the squad’s spirit.” Carrick departed for Middlesbrough in 2022, but his impact on that specific night was clear.
Derby’s Enduring Legacy
Now in January 2026, Carrick manages Middlesbrough, having guided them to a Championship play-off final. He looks back on that derby fondly. In a December 2024 Sky Sports podcast, he reflected: “That night showed United’s soul. Players like Rashford and Ronaldo embodied the care I spoke about.”
Manchester United, currently 4th in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim, still features a mature Marcus Rashford and a starting Alejandro Garnacho. The 2025 derby went to City, but fans recall Carrick’s 2021 win with nostalgia. It remains a motivational touchstone, a moment where the club rediscovered some fight and spirit, showing everyone just how much they cared.
Annsly Raena 
Tanya Singh 
Baishali Karmakar