Carrick's United Revive Old "Fergie Spirit" to Shock City
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An interim manager with just 17 games left has made Manchester United believe again. Michael Carrick, in his second spell as temporary boss, used the frenetic energy of a derby to produce a shock result.
The club's executives see rivals Manchester City as the model to copy. Top players now often choose City over United, a major shift from the past.
Yet United's famous history, built under Sir Alex Ferguson, may still have power. Carrick, one of Ferguson's former players, is using it. He has revived a dogged team spirit at Old Trafford.
The win shows that while data and long-term strategy are important, sheer desire can still win games. It also offers a tantalizing prize: a possible return to the UEFA Champions League.