Manchester United came back from behind to claim bragging rights over Manchester City, courtesy to goals by Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
First-half: Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City
The visitors kept possession, whilst United were happy to sit deep. On the 11th minute, Rashford stole the ball from Bernardo Silva. He made way for Fernandes who fired wide.
Manchester City were rather spineless on attack and lacked the creative edge, whereas the hosts had clear cut chances during the proceedings.
Erling Haaland tried to get involved in the game. The Norway international cut inside the box, but his attempt was blocked by Carlo Casemiro.
On the 34th minute, Rashford was presented with a glorious opportunity when Ederson steamed out of his goal. Rashford jinxed past him to strike towards an open net, but Manuel Akanji cleared the ball off the line.
Four minutes later, Rashford steamed past Rodrigo. The Englishman made one heavey touch which allowed the goalkeeper to make a comfortable save.
On the stroke of half-time, Kyle Walker attempted a shot from long range but his effort was wide.
First-half finished at 0-0 as the home side created more clear cut chances from the left flank, whilst the visitors had zero shorts on target.
Second-half: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City
Manchester City started the second-half on the front foot. Walker jinxed past United players to find Bernardo whose shot deflected straight into the path of David de Gea.
Jack Grealish was subbed on the 57th minute. Three minutes later, he gave the visitors the lead when he headed home following a quality cross from Kevin De Bruyne.
Fernandes scored on the 78th minute to put United on level terms. VAR reviewed the goal for possible offside as Rashford appeared to be well offside.
VAR granted the goal by virtue that Rashford did not touch the ball, nor did he directly interfere in the build up to the goal.
Fernandes steamed in the middle of the park and released Alejandro Garnacho with a quality pass. The Argentine found Rashford who blasted in front of the Stretford End to give United the lead.
Manchester United managed to hold off the visitors to finish the match on 2-1. The Red Devils put a solid performance, and fully deserved the victory.
Ten Hag impact at United
Ten Hag has had a great impact at Manchester United. The boss did not hesitate to praise his team after the match. According to 90 MIN, Ten Hag said:
“This is why I came to Manchester United. This club is a monster. Old Trafford is a stadium with the right vibe, if you manage to light the fire, you get an amazing experience.”
“We are in the right direction, but it’s January. We need to improve and I think there are still many aspects in our game we can do better.”
Fernandes further highlighted the progress of the team. According to Football365, Bruno said: “We look like a team now.”
“Some months ago you could see sometimes a team that was looking a bit for ourselves – but now you see a proper team that works hard for each other.”
Bruno continued: “We have to look forward to the next game, because you can be closer (in the table) but if you don’t keep winning that will go.”
“The mentality now is to be celebrating because it is a big win in the derby, but from tomorrow straight away ahead of Crystal Palace our focus has to be straight on that.”
Manchester United Premier League title push
Manchester United are now one point behind their noisy neighbors who are on second position. League leaders Arsenal are six points clear off United.
The Gunners will go head-to-head with Tottenham Hotspurs on Sunday. They will face the Red Devils next weekend at the Emirates Stadium.
Subsequently, United will have another opportunity to close the gap and potentially push for the Premier League title.
The English giants will travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace before making a trip to London at the Emirates Stadium.
Sky Sports quoted Ten Hag when he commented on title credentials. The boss said: “The fans may dream [of the title] but we’re not. We have to keep our feet on the ground and face that in our game there’s a lot to improve.”
“It can’t happen that after half time [against City] we’re losing so much control in the game, for instance, and then getting down. It’s not necessary.”
Ten Hag added: “In top football small details have a big impact and we have to keep working on that and keep investing in that.”
