Lisandro Martinez hailed the influence of Michael Carrick as Manchester United delivered an emphatic performance to beat rivals Manchester City on Saturday.

Carrick's first game back in interim charge at Old Trafford ended in a 2-0 victory over United's neighbours, thanks to second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.

United were the dominant side throughout, with City limited to just one shot on target in an underwhelming performance that saw Pep Guardiola's team unable to quell the home support.

And Martinez says Carrick's plan worked to perfection, with the former midfielder urging his side to drag the home crowd back onside and utilise their influence.

"One important thing Michael Carrick said was: use the energy of the people. Today I think we did it," the Argentina defender told Sky Sports. 

"When we are together, it is impossible to lose at home. We know how we've suffered during the season, but the only way is showing face and showing who we are. 

"This was the best moment to do it. The team, not just the players on the pitch, but also on the bench, everyone was part of that."

A first win back at the helm for Carrick saw United, at least temporarily, climb up to fourth in the Premier League, while City could drop nine points behind leaders Arsenal if they beat Nottingham Forest later on Saturday.

This was always going to prove a tough task for City, who have now won just one of their last six games against United in all competitions (W3 D2).

Key to keeping Guardiola's side at bay was how Martinez and Harry Maguire managed out-of-form Erling Haaland, who managed just 14 touches in the entire contest.

Haaland has gone seven consecutive appearances without a non-penalty goal in all competitions, his longest run while playing for a side in Europe's top five leagues.

Their striker's lack of form has contributed to City (D3 L1) going winless in four consecutive Premier League games for the first time since December 2024 (D2 L2), a run which also included defeat against United.

Asked how United kept City – who accumulated just 0.45 expected goals (xG) – quiet, Martinez said: "When you play against this kind of players, the team defends. Not just one or two players. Today we defended so well. 

"We were so compact all the time, and then you have the confidence to go to the duels. You feel today a different energy in the eyes of the players. Today the team won, that's the most important thing for me."