Lisandro Martínez praised the “different energy” at Manchester United after their 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City on Saturday, Michael Carrick’s first game in charge as interim manager.

Carrick was appointed on Tuesday to take charge until the end of the season following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secured a vital morale-boosting win at Old Trafford against a title-chasing City side, who remain six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Despite dominating possession, Pep Guardiola’s team struggled to create clear opportunities, registering just one shot on target compared with seven for United. The win lifted United to fourth place in the table ahead of Saturday’s later kick-offs.

“Unbelievable, unbelievable,” Martínez told Sky Sports. “Being here with the fans, with the team, we really know how we suffer during the season. But the only way is putting your face into it and showing who we are. Today is the best moment to do it. Not just the players on the pitch—the staff, everyone was part of that.

“One important thing Michael Carrick said was, ‘Use the energy of the people.’ Today I think we did it, and when we are together like this, it is impossible to lose at home. We defended so well, stayed compact all the time, and then you have the confidence to go into duels. Today you feel a different energy when you see the eyes of the players. Today the team won, and that is the most important thing.”

City midfielder Bernardo Silva acknowledged United’s dominance. “They had more energy and intention,” he said. “It always felt like they were close to scoring, and we were never there. We gave them what they wanted. They took the game to where they are good, and we are not so good. Definitely a bad day for us.”

Silva admitted the gap to Arsenal, who face Nottingham Forest later on Saturday, remains significant. “It is a big gap, we won’t lie and say it isn’t a big gap. It is,” he said. “But we will fight until the end.”

Carrick previously enjoyed an unbeaten three-game stint as caretaker boss at Old Trafford in 2021, and his first game back suggested he could lift the team once again.