)
Manchester United came from behind with two late goals in four minutes to defeat Manchester City 2-1 in the Manchester Derby
Late goals from Bruno Fernandes and a dramatic late winner from Marcus Rashford canceled out a Jack Grealish header to give Manchester United all three points against Manchester City in a tense Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
The victory moved Erik ten Hag's men to within six points of the premier league summit and sent a clear message throughout the league that Manchester United mean business this season.
Cagey first half
Pep Guardiola’s City struggled to carve out opportunities in a tense opening period and it was the hosts who had the better chances. Bruno Fernandes fired just wide of the far post from a narrow angle before Rashford had a shot blocked on the line and an effort well saved by Ederson
Fred was doing a sterling job of sticking to Kevin De Bruyne, and the Belgian, who hadn’t got a Premier League goal or assist since 29 October before this match, was struggling to influence proceedings early on.
)
Erling Haaland’s first shot in anger from the edge of the area was blocked on 24 minutes, before Ederson had a heart-in-mouth moment as he charged out to meet Rashford and the striker rounded the Brazilian, only for Manuel Akanji to intervene on the line.
Rashford was then put through again, but Ederson smothered effectively as the 25-year-old bore down on goal for United. The England international was soon in pain after appearing to pull up injured but carried on until the break.
Man City stepped up a gear following the interval and Grealish broke the deadlock within 193 seconds of emerging from the bench when he headed home Kevin De Bruyne’s cross on the hour mark.
)
United late comeback
However, United stunned the away side with two goals in four minutes to turn the game on its head. First Rashford left a through pass from his offside position, allowing Fernandes to arrive from deep and fire home the equaliser on 78 minutes. The flag initially went up with City continuing to protest Rashford was interfering with play when the referee then gave the goal.
)
Rashford was then perfectly placed to tuck in from close range eight minutes from time after a lovely cross from substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
)
Garnacho had a cross blocked by Akanji, but the 18-year-old regained possession and spun Nathan Ake to produce a fizzing cross that Rashford tucked between Ederson’s legs to send the home fans into a frenzy.
Key talking point
Red Devils now in the title race
Given that United are now just a point behind City it is clear they are now in the title race. The stats make for good reading too. This was a ninth straight victory in all competitions which equals their longest winning streak since Alex Ferguson retired as manager. They have also now won five league games on the spin for the first time since April 2021.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)