Overview
- Michael Carrick, appointed interim until season’s end, began with a 2-0 derby win at Old Trafford through goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.
- Manchester United climbed to fifth place as Pep Guardiola acknowledged City were second best in a display that lifted the mood at the club.
- Lisandro Martinez excelled in subduing Erling Haaland, then invited pundits including Paul Scholes to speak face to face about criticism, with Scholes later responding on Instagram.
- Reports suggest Kobbie Mainoo intends to stay this month and that Casemiro has a starts-based option that could extend his contract, factors in United’s pre-deadline planning.
- Real Sociedad beat Barcelona 2-1 under Pellegrino Matarazzo, ending a 12-match unbeaten run with tight VAR calls and multiple strikes against the woodwork as Barca’s LaLiga lead shrank to one point.