In the build-up to the first game of his second stint as Manchester United head coach, Michael Carrick spoke about Old Trafford being "a magical place".
Few imagined he would conjure up a performance against Manchester City so complete Pep Guardiola admitted his team might have been beaten even if Diogo Dalot had been sent off in the opening minutes.
With a 2-0 victory, Carrick has now added Guardiola's name to a list of managers he has beaten as United head coach that also includes Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta. He has also drawn with a Chelsea side managed by Thomas Tuchel.
As he left the pitch to the echoes of the song United fans created for him when he first arrived as a player in 2006, Carrick was able to reflect on a day that could hardly have gone any better.
"It's a great start, there's no getting away from that," he said, smiling.
Umir Irfan, Football tactics correspondent
United impressed in all phases of play. Their 32% possession meant they spent large parts of the game defending but they still limited City to 0.45 xG.
Out of possession, their 4-4-2 compact shape was executed with excellent co-ordination and intensity. The roles of wingers Amad and Patrick Dorgu stood out. Dorgu man-marked Rico Lewis – nullifying his influence as he moved into central attacking positions – while Amad often dropped into the defensive line to form a back five, marshalling Jeremy Doku well.
When City had the ball, United's 4-4-2 funnelled them into wide areas, where they defended with four players. With the striker, central midfielder, winger and full-back all coming across, it was difficult for City to find the space to create anything of note.
In attack, United played in a way that was true to their traditions, taking advantage of their speed and directness.
The positioning of Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo either side of Rodri posed difficult questions of City's defensive midfielder, while wide players – Dorgu on the left and Matheus Cunha on the right – were able to combine for United's second.
Read more on Carrick’s perfect start
