Manchester United stunned Manchester City with a 2-0 victory in Saturday’s early kick-off, dealing a damaging blow to Pep Guardiola’s title chase and handing Arsenal an unexpected advantage.

The win marked a dramatic start to life under new head coach Michael Carrick, as the Red Devils immediately showed renewed bite and belief in their first match since his appointment.

United flew out of the blocks and thought they had taken control early on, only to see two first-half goals ruled out for offside, frustrating the home crowd but signalling City’s vulnerability.

That pressure finally paid off after the interval when Bryan Mbeumo capped a lightning counter-attack, slicing through City’s defence to put United deservedly ahead.

Patrick Dorgu then rubbed salt into City’s wounds by meeting Matheus Cunha’s cross to double United’s lead, leaving Guardiola’s side stunned and chasing shadows.

The result ended United’s five-game winless run, while City now risk falling nine points behind Arsenal, a potentially decisive setback in the Premier League title race.