Revealed: What three first-team stars said at half-time to inspire Manchester United's comeback win over City

United came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at the Etihad thanks to a dressing room rallying cry

Ashley Young, Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera were the most vocal players in the Manchester United dressing room at half-time of the sensational 3-2 win over Manchester City, with their contribution seen by those around the team as as important to the comeback as Jose Mourinho’s.

While the Portuguese gave the key stirring line about how the players wouldn’t want to be seen as the “clowns” who handed City the title as they went 2-0 down, The Independent has been told by multiple sources that much of the discussion was then driven by Young, Carrick and to a lesser extent Herrera.

There weren’t that many tactical details discussed, other than Mourinho telling the side to push up more.

The three main players mostly spoke about the club’s pride and the need to put in a display befitting of the game and United, with Young particularly “furious” at the situation and how atrocious they had been in the first half.

Carrick did offer some individual pieces of tactical advice, with goalscoring hero Paul Pogba mentioning this after the game, and it is understood that his contribution on the day has only bolstered his reputation within the club as a bright coach for the future.

The multiple trophy-winner was always seen as a player who spoke like a coach anyway, but it is felt that confirmation of his new role on his retirement in the summer is already having an impact.

The squad all look up to Carrick, and Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be especially impressed. More than anything, the 36-year-old is seen as “getting the club”, and will be a very positive aid to Mourinho.