Manchester United got the better of their bitter rivals Manchester City. It was done in a very grand manner under Erik Ten Hag and the United fans believed even a narrow 2-1 victory was enough to take redemption when they were thrashed 6-3 at the Etihad. They completed a second-half comeback after trailing in the second half.
It was a strong and commendable start by Man Utd. And they indeed had a couple of good chances to take the lead inside the first 30 minutes of the game. First, it was Bruno Fernandes who had a tight angle to take the shot after a missed first touch by fellow countrymate Bernando Silva.
Later on, Ederson was well off his line and Rashford had to make a good pass to Martial but the former gave the ball straight to Ake who made a crucial block.
Then Rashford had a chance on the counter attack from a brilliant through ball by Cristian Eriksen. But the Brazillian goalkeeper made a superb save to deny the lead. The Cityzens could barely even manage to enter the United half. The Ten Hag’s men were pretty much controlling the midfield calmly. And the duo Casemiro and Fred were winning the balls on many occasions and were very disciplined.
2nd half Analysis: Manchester United came back stronger.
The second half is where the majority of the drama took place. Grealish found a way to give the Blues the lead. Kevin de Bruyne’s cross was straight to Grealish who couldn’t get an easier chance to score from that range. He got a free header and City took the opportunity.
Bruno Fernandes equalised and Old Trafford came to alive and on its feet. Casemiro fed a through ball where Rashford seems to be interfering with play from an offside position. However, since he did not touch the ball or even impede a defender, the goal was awarded. Many thought this would be down as a bit controversial. But the latest VAR rules say that Rashford’s presence did not cause any problems for City who backed off and the goal was allowed.
Rashford who couldn’t stop his hunger for goals got the winning goal after the pass from Fernandes met the magical feet of Garnacho. He cut it back with his left foot and Rashford slipped the ball under Ederson and that’s where City collapsed. ETH brought this club back from nowhere. The fans started to believe in this club again. After Sir Alex Ferguson’s title-winning final season, this is gonna be the best moment that has come since then.
With this epic win. United are still very much in the title race as only 9 points separate United and league leaders, Arsenal. Within just a point of the City who are still second and must play Arsenal twice. The Red Devils will play against the Gunners at The Emirates next weekend and show what they are really made of. But before that, a trip to South London is there to face Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
