Mainoo and Lacey raise the spirits but systemic change still required at Manchester United | Nick Ames

There were protests at Old Trafford and even though two academy products stood out, Michael Carrick’s future is far from safe

Green and yellow balloons bobbed around the Stretford End. Tennis balls rained down on the pitch in protest at the chronic, enduringly cinematic decline presided over by Manchester United’s ownership. Then came a reminder of the humble football’s extraordinary power to bend history, minds and wills. United’s players departed victorious having somehow won the game within the game, separating themselves from the fog of unhappy context swirling on all sides and turning the second half into its own soaring, ripping story for the ages.

Will it be enough to save Michael Carrick, who was once again serenaded when minds wandered from the joint scourges of the Glazer family and Jim Ratcliffe? If Aston Villa defend a shade more competently than Roma on Sunday then perhaps not. United have led their supporters, remarkable in their tenor of backing for players and head coach here, up more than enough false peaks over the past 13 years. Arguably, that is one reason for Carrick being given the job on a permanent basis.

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