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". 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.

Source: BBC January 19, 2026 05:28 UTC