Rooney Calls Derby Victory Man United’s Best Show Since Ferguson Era

Wayne Rooney thinks Manchester United fans have not seen such a strong performance since Sir Alex Ferguson left, following the club’s derby win against Manchester City.

Michael Carrick started his interim management with a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford on Saturday. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu contributed to the win, which also included three disallowed goals for United.

This match marked Carrick’s first as interim coach after taking over from Ruben Amorim, and Rooney feels that Carrick’s return has boosted the club.

“I wasn’t at the stadium; I was in the BBC studios, but the difference in the stadium was noticeable. Even when he [Michael Carrick] came out before the game, he was trying to energize the crowd,” Rooney mentioned on the BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show.

That Old Trafford ROAAAAARRRR! 🔊 pic.twitter.com/4miK8MWI4i

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 19, 2026

“I think the fans felt something special yesterday. They experienced a taste of what it was like under Sir Alex Ferguson. Young fans, who have had a tough time over the last decade or so since he left, saw a team perform exceptionally well.

“They haven’t seen a team play with that energy, belief, and resilience. It was tough for opponents to play against them.

“The fans felt that energy yesterday, and I hope this is just a glimpse of what we can expect in the next 16 games.”