A highly anticipated derby day saw interim manager and former United midfield maestro Michael Carrick take to the dugout for the first time. After weeks of unrest, following Amorim's unceremonious departure from Old Trafford, and another early exit from domestic cup football; this time in the FA cup, it was looking gloomy for the red side of Manchester.
In stark contrast City have seen themselves progress in the FA cup following a 10-1 thumping of lower league Exeter City, and already have one foot in the League Cup final after a first leg away win against Newcastle. Things ahead of the game were looking much rosier for the blue side of Manchester. This alongside statement January signings Guehi, and Semenyo already secured; with the latter having already netted twice for The Citizens, it looked to most of the footballing fraternity that this would be a straightforward afternoon for Pep Guardiola's team. With the blues looking to reignite their title challenge having drawn their last 3 games in the league, and slipping to 6 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Match Report
With all the talk of systems, Michael Carrick appeared to set United up in a more conventional 4-3-3, with instant starts for both Amad and Mbeumo who returned back after their exits from the African Cup of Nations.
Guardiola started new boy Semenyo; who had already troubled United when he played in Manchester for Bournemouth earlier in the campaign, and Doku who would look to stretch United on either wing. The ever present Haaland was chosen to lead the line, with the Norwegian looking to rediscover his own goal scoring form against a team he has had such success against in the past.
Old Trafford greeted the early afternoon kick off with a huge, expectant roar. Looking to breathe some life into yet another new era at M16. The team in red seemed to respond to this, pressing from the front and forcing City into some early misplaced passes, which brought the crowd into the game even more. United looked up for it.
Things could and possibly should have got better for the home side, as an in swinging corner was met at the back post by Harry Maguire. Usually so reliable in these situations, saw his header from 2 yards cannon out off the bar.
The game was fiery, as both sets of players flew into challenges. Dalot in the eyes of many was fortunate not to have been sent for an early shower as a knee high challenge on Doku only saw the Portuguese be brandished with a yellow. On another day this might have been a red, but was cleared by VAR. Huge moment and decision in the game, which went in favour of the home side.
Donnaruma was the busier of the keepers, as he played his part in keeping the score line level. With his positioning on multiple occasions thwarting United counter attacks.
United however did manage to go around the Italian keeper finding the net on two occasions with both Amad and then Fernandes. However the celebrations on both occasions were cut shot as offside flag came to City's rescue.
As the half time whistle blew, both teams headed down the tunnel with the score at 0-0. United would have felt hard done by not to have been in front. The nervousness from the home faithful would have been that City surely weren't going to be as ineffective in the second.
The second half saw the game continued in similar fashion. With United seemingly happy to let their city rivals control possession with United playing on the counter led by their captain, Dorgu, Amad and Mbeumo. City did find themselves operating higher up the pitch and forced a few half chances with last ditch challenges from both Shaw and Martinez.
Casemiro came close as he found himself one on one, after Amad's shot was beaten back into the feet of the midfielder. He chose not to go down and win a penalty. But instead forced an unbelievable save from point blank range. The frustration on the United man was visible as he bit his shirt in disbelief he hadn't found the net.
A notable pattern in the game was City's seeming reluctance to cross the ball, and their failure to trouble United from set pieces. So it's pertinent that United would open the scoring through Mbeumo which originated from a poorly executed Manchester City free kick which saw United break at pace. The counter saw a 4 on 3, and Fernandes led the charge and slipped in Mbeumo. The Cameroonian unleashed a low drive across the city keeper to unbridled celebrations in front of the Stretford End. There was no chance this one was being disallowed, 1-0 United.
City who to this point had barely laid a glove on their cross city rivals had to come out and try to break United down to get themselves back in the game with 20 minutes still to play. This opened up spaces which United still seemed intent to exploit. With every attack leading to what felt like a big chance.
United would once again profit from the counter as newly introduced Cunha crossed to find Dorgu who got himself in front of his man in the 6 yard box and finished in off the post. 2-0, a score line which did not flatter the home side. Broadcast cutaways to the City bench told their own story. In contrast the United interim boss was deservedly lapping up the celebrations. Old Trafford was rocking, and who could argue with it?
Amad would also find the time to break away following some tenacious defending by Shaw; who lampooned himself over the city attacker to head clear. The young Ivory Coast international found himself through after standing up Ake, who was the only covering defender and beat Donnaruma, but his shot hits the post. Another let off for City, and not for the first time.
Lammens in the United goal continued to find himself largely untested, and once again it would be the home side who would be celebrating finding the net once again in the game. As Mount with practically his first touch latched onto another cross from Cunha to put the icing on the cake. Or so many thought. However as like earlier in the game, VAR would once again spoil the Old Trafford celebrations. As a lengthy check saw the goal ruled out for an offside earlier in the build up. The decision appeared marginal.
The disappointment didn't last long as the final whistle would shortly follow. A huge derby day win for the red side of Manchester, a huge win for Michael Carrick & his new look coaching staff and more than anything a performance that felt befitting of United and it's much discussed DNA. One that even Sir Alex Ferguson; who was watching on from the stands, would have been proud to have coached. Made even more impressive that this performance was born out of only 3 days of training. Leaving many asking "where has this United team been." The scoreline flattered City whose best player was their keeper, which is a sign to just how dominant United were.
Those of a United persuasion will be hoping this is not yet another false start in the post Sir Alex Ferguson era. But the signs are positive and Manchester United will go into their next game away at Arsenal with a lot more optimism, in the hopes of pushing for European qualification. Whereas Manchester City will look to put the game firmly in their rear view mirror, as they continue to fight on four fronts in the hopes of bringing yet more silverware back to The Etihad.
