Manchester City vs Manchester United Summary
An emphatic Derby Day on the anniversary of the last weekend before 2020’s lockdown, Manchester United beat Manchester City 0-2 at the Etihad. A penalty after just 34 seconds was unsurprisingly converted by the Portguese Magnifico as United bossed a brilliant first half on hostile territory. City fought back in the second half and almost equalised a few times but United defended well. The counter provided United with a second as Shaw tucked away his third ever goal. City kept fighting for a goal but United defended bravely. Anthony Martial was brilliant all game but easily could have had a brace. In the end United put out a stunning performance against City in every area.
Although it only reduces the gap to Manchester City by 11 points United move back to second and finally score a goal! Ole’s team must build on this and certainly carry this into the AC Milan game and onwards. United need to narrow the gap and keep fighting until it’s mathematically impossible and certainly distance themselves from anther top four battle.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Player Ratings
Ederson 6/10
Almost saved the penalty and came up with some decent saves during the game but his positioning for Shaw’s shot was awful.
Joao Cancelo 5/10
Caught out by Shaw for the goal and his usual attacking ability was neutralised by United.
John Stones 5/10
Not much wrong. Did get outmuscled by Martial a few times. I wonder if anyone else will look at that during the season.
Ruben Dias 5/10
Martial skinned him a couple of times and made him look not even half the player he has been all season. You are allowed a couple of bad games, don’t doubt he will bounce back and same for Stones but their limitations were exposed on Derby Day.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 6/10
Fierce shot saved by Henderson. Struggled with James’ pace but mostly defended well.
Rodri 6/10
Unlucky with a strong shot that smacked the corner of the crossbar. Passed the ball fluidly and with intent. Not much wrong.
Ilkay Gundogan 4/10
Had three chances to score but couldn’t make the most of them. Good in the build up but not effective in the final third.
Kevin de Bruyne 3/10
A shocker. Gave away the ball so often I lost count. Tried to create but just not his night.
Riyad Mahrez 4/10
Got into great positions but wasteful when delivering a cross or taking a shot. Not what you would expect from him.
Raheem Sterling 4/10
He can’t stand playing against United and especially Wan-Bissaka! Struggled to get space and with his two chances he had, he made a hash of both!
Gabriel Jesus 3/10
Woeful at both ends. Gave away a clumsy penalty and couldn’t get into the game in attack.
Substitutes:
Kyle Walker 6/10
Defended well and put in a decent cross to Sterling.
Phil Foden 7.5/10
Lively and the best in Blue! Was worried every time he got on the ball. He’s going to be such a huge star if he’s not one already…
Pep Guardiola 5/10
I don’t think he got his tactics right. A rarity! He played one anchor in Rodri and it allowed United to counter quickly and with purpose. Unlike in the Carabao Cup in which Rodri and Fernandinho mopped up United’s few attacks. Cannot fathom why Aguero didn’t come on. Jesus and Gundogan could have made way for Foden and Aguero and it would have worried that United defence so much more. He will want a response tomorrow and go back to 14 points clear. Albeit with a game ahead.
Dean Henderson 8.5/10
Two good saves and a crucial impact in the second goal. Could have had a 9 or higher but did give the ball away a couple of times. Even so, commanding, calm and everything you want in a United ‘keeper.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 9/10
Another superb defensive performance. Played out from the back bravely and sharply.
Victor Lindelof 9/10
Astute defensively. Aerially strong and read the game very well. In these types of games, he is exceptional.
Harry Maguire 9/10
A true captain’s performance in a derby. Vocal, dominant and a huge defensive performance. A deserved win and a lot of credit goes to Maguire.
Luke Shaw 10/10
Superb defending all game and capping it off with an emphatic strike. There was a point where I thought his United career may be over with others waiting in the wings but have never been happier to be wrong. He’s been nothing short of sensational since the Everton match. Hopefully his fitness and form continues for the rest of this season and for many more to come.
Scott McTominay 9/10
Robust, energetic and pressed with efficiency and urgency. He is a big game player and certainly turned up on Derby Day…again!
Fred 8.5/10
Gave the ball away in some difficult areas but his workrate and pressing in midfield cannot be underestimated as it led to the first goal. On the counter his passes were far more expansive and clinical. Great game for Fred.
Bruno Fernandes 8.5/10
Tucked away a great penalty and drove the counter forwards on numerous occasions. Didn’t get everything right but got United ahead and kept United ahead with his workrate.
Daniel James 9/10
Shining once again! On the counter his pace and directness is so crucial and in defence he doubled up on Sterling and Zinchenko.
Marcus Rashford 9/10
In attack he caused problems and he notched an assist and fed Martial in the buildup to the penalty. A last gasp recovery challenge forced him off but the desire to win the game never left. Manc born and bred!
Anthony Martial 9/10
Even though he should have scored at least once, he was excellent. Held off Stones, Rodri and Dias during the game and drove past them on numerous occasions. His hold up play was crucial to United’s attacks and won the all-important penalty. A big game, hopefully backed up with a goal on Thursday.
Substitutes:
Mason Greenwood 8/10
Worked hard and made an excellent block to deny his good friend, Foden a certain goal.
Nemanja Matic 7.5/10
Slowed the game down and added an extra body in defence. Made a crucial block late on.
Brandon Williams 7/10
Again, defended well and kept his head.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 10/10
I think when you beat a side that has only won their last 21 matches and has such an immense defensive record, you deserve a 10/10. With the added bonus of beating one of the best managers in modern football for a third consecutive away game. He got his tactics spot on and punished City mistakes with high energy and clinical counter attacks. All without crucial players like Pogba, Cavani, Van de Beek and De Gea! Cannot be praised enough for the game and certainly for how much United have progressed. He needs a good result on Thursday as United must win a trophy this season but a much better performance from his side for sure.
