Licha and Harry lay the foundations for success

The Blues were extremely fortunate not to lose by a heavier margin - we had three goals disallowed by ever-narrowing margins of offside, struck the woodwork twice and Gianluigi Donnarumma was the visitors' star performer.

Yet this was a win based on the solid foundations provided by the defence, with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire at the heart of it.

This was the 40th time they've played together but, crucially, the first time from the outset since the game against Crystal Palace in February 2025.

The Eagles game was the one when Martinez suffered a serious knee injury, and they played as part of a three-man backline with Leny Yoro.

Maguire made his comeback from a lay-off when replacing the Argentina international in the Emirates FA Cup exit to Brighton & Hove Albion and head coach Michael Carrick decided to pair the combative, competitive characters together in the middle of his four-man defence.

From the outset, they looked organised, focused and totally committed to the cause.

Maguire is always such a threat in the opposing box, even during his cameo last weekend, he caused problems for the Seagulls, and he crashed a header against the bar from close range, following Bruno Fernandes's corner, a few minutes into the derby.

Dominating the aerial battles, there was one moment in front of the Stretford End when he physically saw off City skipper Bernardo Silva, showed his strength and enjoyed coming out on top. The fans absolutely loved it.

If you think back to how the opening goal came about, Maguire needed some attention as his knee was bloodied by Erling Haaland's studs. Clearly in pain, the centre-back made his way back into position, headed out the free-kick, which went the visitors' way, and it sparked the breakaway move that culminated in Bryan Mbeumo steering home Fernandes's pass.

Martinez was not just aggressive but confident, and punchy, with his passing.

With the pair managing to snuff out the immense threat of the Premier League's leading scorer Haaland to the extent that the Norway goal-machine was substituted, both should be credited for limiting his influence on proceedings.

It is worth noting that, seconds after Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu's strike, City attempted to retaliate instantly but Licha was on his toes and ever alert to keep them at bay.

Remaining on guard, and not switching off for a moment, it was a snapshot of his accomplished display.

The fact is injury has deprived United of our centre-back options for some time.

Matthijs de Ligt remains absent, and he had been outstanding this term, winning our Player of the Month award as recently as November

Martinez only made his comeback in the win at Crystal Palace, towards the end of November, and Maguire's last start was the 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur earlier that month.

Any team would miss their first-choice central defenders, no matter how well others have done in their absence.

It is being well documented that this was only our third clean sheet of the campaign, with the others coming against Sunderland and Newcastle United, and blanking the Blues is no mean feat.

It was some way to start Carrick's time in charge and it was a victory built on the rock-solid foundations provided by Maguire and Martinez.