 |
| Image from the Independent |
When it comes to a derby match between local rivals Manchester United and Manchester City it usually delivers a game filled with quality and often form and league positions count for very little. Last night the match at Old Trafford had very little quality from the Red Devils and in fact the game was pretty much over by half time with Man City completely dominating the tie with a 3-0 half time lead. The gap between the two squads as far as the depth and strength of personnel Man City have at their disposal as compared to the team the Red Devils fielded was clear for all to see. With fixtures piling up and squads being rotated in order to keep players fresh Man City rested both their frontmen Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero and it was a masterclass display from Bernado Silva which literally sealed the tie victory for Man City. The current holders of the cup were rampant before the break as Bernado Silva’s wonder goal, Riyaad Mahrez’s cool finish an own goal from Andreas Pereira put Man City well on course for a third straight final. On the flip side of the coin Solskjaer who is already under enormous pressure in 2020 already without a victory to his name had to field his team one feels with little depth and or strength as opposed to the opposition. The likes of Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard again showed their inability to perform at the Theatre of Dreams and the likelihood of Solskjaer being able to bolster his injury hit squad appear to be pretty slim.
One would expect that a derby tie would inspire, motivate and challenge the Red Devils to rise to the occasion and show that they had some fire in the belly to take on their fierce local rivals. The only positive one could take from the match is the goal finished off by Marcus Rashford in the 70th minute that was created by Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford calmly slotted for his 17th goal of the season. City restored their recent dominance of this fixture with a third consecutive win at Old Trafford and a fourth in five away derbies since Guardiola took charge. If Man United do not sign at least two more quality midfielders in the January window, the team and its manager could be facing a very tough few months indeed. Rumours abound about possible transfers that may take place. The Red Devils have very little time to lick their wounds and regroup as their next opponents in the Premier League are Norwich who are currently fighting for survival at the bottom of the Premier league and who would love nothing better than to cause an upset at Old Trafford.
Player Ratings
David de Gea – 6
Very little he could have done with any of the goals conceded. Actually kept the score down as it could have been easily 4 or 5 but for his important saves.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5
Able to keep a fairly tight lid on Raheem Sterling but was not good enough to win any of the duels.
Victor Lindelöf – 4
Possibly one of the worst performances in a Man Utd Shirt, he looked lost without Harry Maguire. His slip led to the second goal.
Phil Jones – 2
Shocking game. Allowed Bernardo Silva to run the show and did not attempt to close him down. Kevin De Bruyne made him look like he was an amateur. Not sure he will be starting many more games in the future.
Shocking game. Allowed Bernardo Silva to run the show and did not attempt to close him down. Kevin De Bruyne made him look like he was an amateur. Not sure he will be starting many more games in the future.
Brandon Williams – 4
Tried his best but was tormented all night by Riyad Mahrez. I still believe he needs time to develop as this was not his best performance.
Andreas Pereira – 3
Completely overrun in the midfield by the City players. Scored an own goal and was not able to deal with the quality opposition decisively enough.
Completely overrun in the midfield by the City players. Scored an own goal and was not able to deal with the quality opposition decisively enough.
Fred – 5
Started the game well but was not able to deliver and was bossed by the Man City midfield.
Daniel James – 3
Looks tired and almost seems to have lost his swagger and confidence from earlier on in the season.
Jesse Lingard – 2
Not an impressive first-half performance by any stretch of the imagination. Was substituted at half time and may need to be withdrawn from the squad to focus on his public admission of matters of the field.
Not an impressive first-half performance by any stretch of the imagination. Was substituted at half time and may need to be withdrawn from the squad to focus on his public admission of matters of the field.
Marcus Rashford Captain – 5
First time captain of Man Utd, but not a game he would want to remember for its result, but only for the fact he scored his 17thgoal of the season.
First time captain of Man Utd, but not a game he would want to remember for its result, but only for the fact he scored his 17thgoal of the season.
Mason Greenwood – 4
Seemed off the pace of the game during the first half and missed an opportunity to bring Man Utd back into the game. Was instrumental in the consolation goal by teeing up Marcus Rashford.
Seemed off the pace of the game during the first half and missed an opportunity to bring Man Utd back into the game. Was instrumental in the consolation goal by teeing up Marcus Rashford.
Subs
Nemanja Matic – 4
Came on at half time for Jesse Lingard, was slow in position and did not impact the game at all.
Came on at half time for Jesse Lingard, was slow in position and did not impact the game at all.
Angel Gomes – 5
Came on for Daniel James in 64thminute. Settled in quickly and was part of build up for Rashford’s goal
Came on for Daniel James in 64thminute. Settled in quickly and was part of build up for Rashford’s goal
Anthony Martial – 5
Probably not fully fit but came on for a cameo appearance in 81st minute. Replaced Mason Greenwood
