Manchester City vs Manchester United Review
Manchester United made an impressive comeback, overcoming a goal deficit in the final minutes to defeat reigning Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium. This result leaves City with only one victory in their last 11 matches across all competitions. Both teams came into the derby striving to find their form in pursuit of their respective objectives. The tense opening moments highlighted the difficulties faced by Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim, as neither team was willing to take control of the match. The only significant event in the first 20 minutes was Mason Mount’s injury-related substitution, followed by Phil Foden’s attempt, which he sent wide of the goal.
As frustration mounted at the Etihad, the visiting team began to find their rhythm. However, their lack of decisiveness in the attacking zone ultimately cost them. Manuel Ugarte had United’s first attempt on goal, sending a shot over the bar around the half-hour mark. Shortly after, City celebrated a goal when a short corner routine led to Kevin De Bruyne’s cross deflecting perfectly to Joško Gvardiol, who headed in the eighth goal United has conceded from corners this season.
In the second half, Amad Diallo, often the sole source of attacking threat in recent weeks, had a header from a Bruno Fernandes cross saved by City goalkeeper Ederson. The visitors’ strategy of waiting for a clear opportunity nearly paid off in the 74th minute when Rasmus Højlund set up Bruno Fernandes for a chance on goal, but the United captain misfired, sending his chip over the advancing Ederson and wide of the goal.
Hojlund had previously been frustrated after not receiving a penalty when Rúben Dias brought him down in the box, but Amad was determined to make an impact in the final moments. He capitalized on a terrible backpass from Matheus Nunes and was taken down by the City midfielder in the penalty area, giving Fernandes another opportunity to equalize for the visitors. This time, Fernandes successfully converted the penalty, sending Ederson the wrong way.
Lisandro Martínez then delivered a perfectly timed pass for Amad, whose touch allowed him to maneuver around Ederson before scoring, igniting wild celebrations among the away fans. This left City reeling, marking just their second defeat in recent league encounters with United and putting them nine points behind the title race.
