A week earlier, after an earlier Sunday that brought disappointment for Manchester United, Michael Carrick reacted to a suggestion his side had made a poor beginning to the campaign. “We haven’t started the season that bad,” he replied.
They have now. The Manchester derby can carry an importance that extends beyond points. Just ask Carrick, whose win on his return in January helped catapult him from caretaker to permanent manager. September’s demoralising defeat could carry a symbolism, reflecting how things are not clicking now Carrick has a lengthier contract.
