Scott McTominay of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal. Photograph: Ashley Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images Manchester is red once more as Manchester United claim the double over their city rivals for the first time in a decade. United’s newest play maker Bruno Fernandes’ once again made his mark with another impressive start to his career at Old Trafford as his brilliant quick free-kick set up Anthony Martial’s opener, Scott McTominay then sealed United’s win with a late 95′ effort. The win marks a 10 game unbeaten streak for Ole’s men and the double over their City rivals for the first time since the Ferguson era.
The race for Champions League
The stage was set for another enthralling edition of the Manchester Derby, Old Trafford sat perfectly under the spotlights as Manchester United and Manchester City went to battle for the second time this season. City were looking to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool as they came off the back of a 9 game unbeaten streak since losing a fortnight ago to Spurs, United still in search of not only a top 4 finish, but also the double of their neighborhood rivals for the first time in a decade.
The opening half
The opening stanza started off slowly with both sides struggling to keep hold of the ball, United’s Fred showing his strength and determination in the middle of the park as he brilliantly dispossessed Manchester City midfielder Bernardo, his ball to Anthony Martial however was snuffed out by a sea of Blue shirts, City had definitely set their sights on the on form Frenchmen early on.
It was City who then took the lions share of possession early on as they piled on the pressure in the United goal mouth, Luke Shaw holding onto the ball at the back a bit too long, Sergio Aguero snatching the ball off the defender and finding Sterling in open space just outside the box, Sterling with a super long range curling effort that was strongly palmed away by David De Gea. United’s defense in Lindelof and Maguire continued to look strong as they held firm against the City attack.
Nemanja Matic bullied his way through a promising looking run by Sergio Aguero for City’s 4th corner of the match, Harry Maguire miss timing his sliding effort as the lively Argentine looked to push for the opener. United held firm to deny any efforts set by City.
United’s only effort within the first stanza came courtesy of an Anthony Martial ball that saw Daniel James in open space, his shot low and hard towards the front post at a difficult angle, Ederson there to stop the effort. Manchester City sitting with 74% of the possession at this stage of the game.
The moment of magic
The 23rd Minute saw a dangerous tackle by Otamendi on Daniel James just outside the box, Bruno Fernandes with the effort that slammed against the City wall. It was that man again causing problems for City, Bruno Fernandes going to ground after a tackle from behind by Gundogan. Fernandes with the clever quick free kick that was latched on by Anthony Martial who cleanly finish passed Ederson at the front post, 1-0 United in 30′.
The goal seemed to spark an explosion of energy into both sides as they battled in true derby fashion throughout the pitch, Wan Bissaka making some crucial tackles to void off any prospects of an equaliser before half-time. Both sides continued to push through the flanks, cross after cross floating into the respective penalty efforts but failing to get any real connection that would change matters before half-time. It was United who would go into the half-time break with a slim lead.
The second half
United started the half in similar fashion and confidence expressed in the first, however it was City who started with the first effort, a controversial off-side ruling on Aguero as he neatly slotted the ball past De Gea, The decision going to VAR for a second look, United fans with a sigh of relief as the decision came back confirmed as offside.
It was City fans turn to have their anxiety levels raised, Ederson with a simple attempt to trap the ball, Anthony Martial pressing hard as the City shot stopper miscues his efforts, Martial looking destined to seal a second for his side, but Ederson quickly redeemed himself with a sliding effort to deny the United striker. The Collision left Martial on the pitch and needing medical attention.
Raheem Sterling and Aguero seemed to lack its usual spark as the pair failed to find any real tie up with one another throughout the game. Phil Foden pick up the ball outside of the United box in the 55′ Minute, he wound up for a low, hard long range effort which seemed to gather height as it soured to De Gea, luckily the United man got a strong hand to push the ball over the cross bar.
Joao Cancelo is booked for a late challenge on Brandon Williams in the 60′. Pep using the opportunity to introduce Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus. The pair replace Sergio Aguero and Bernardo Silva.
Winning the battle in defence
United continued to flex their might in defense as City came in search of an equaliser, the side looking from the right and left to swing a curling ball which would be met by an incoming city player. Mahrez immediately injecting some hope inside the United half.
Daniel James found himself in a prime position inside the 70th Minute, Bruno Fernandes calling out for the ball in the centre of the box, Daniel James opting to selfishly take on the shot himself, Ederson there to snuff out any real efforts, Fernandes showing clear signs of frustration as a chance to double their lead goes wasted.
Gabriel Jesus had a wonderful effort on the left hand side parried into the middle of the box, thankfully Brandon Williams in the right place at the right time to clear any danger, Sterling looking to pounce on the wayward effort.
Surviving the City onslaught
The final 10 minutes were a nervy affair for United, as City continued to express their lions share of possession. 5 minutes extra time meant that United would need to dig deep in order to avoid a heartbreaking draw.
United sealed the win in emphatic style as a wayward Ederson throw was intercepted by Scott Mctominay, His first time effort floating into the back of the net and rounding up the 96′ minute of the game. It ended 2-0 to United much to the delight of the local fans who showed signs of an Old Trafford that once was.
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