Carrick refuses to blame MU players after Man City defeat: 16 shots, 10 from outside the box and the penetration problem

Manchester United lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on 13 September 2026. Erling Haaland scored the only goal, while Phil Foden was sent off, leaving City with ten men for around 70 minutes. United failed to score despite the numerical advantage and dropped to 13th with four points from four games. City moved to second with 12 points. After the match, manager Michael Carrick refused to blame his players, stressing the process of creating chances and the positive aspects of the performance. However, the data raised concerns: United had 16 shots, 10 of them from outside the box, and did not create a clear golden chance until the final minute of stoppage time. Carrick’s protective message may preserve dressing-room unity during a rebuild, but it also highlights a structural attacking problem. Against a compact low block, United controlled territory without penetration. Lisandro Martinez was openly angry over the VAR decision that allowed Haaland’s goal, and Carrick was reportedly furious with the VAR explanation. Still, the goal stood, and City left with three points. The result reinforces City’s game-management identity: they won a derby while a man down. For United, the first home blank under Carrick is a symbolic blow. With four points from four matches, the pressure is moderate but rising. If United fail to win their next two or three fixtures, the process narrative may be recast as excuse-making. Carrick now needs tactical solutions, not just calm words. The next matches will show whether United can turn possession into high-quality chances and whether Carrick can fix the team’s inability to break down deep defences.