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. "It's a great start, there's no getting away from that," he said, smiling. He does not beam the same way as his Portuguese predecessor - or pepper his media engagements with laughter. He has also been around long enough to not get too carried away by the outcome of one high-profile game.

Source: BBC January 17, 2026 18:06 UTC