Manchester United stunned Manchester City with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory in the derby, piling further pressure on Pep Guardiola and his struggling side. Amad Diallo’s late goal sealed the win for United after Bruno Fernandes equalized from the penalty spot just minutes earlier. Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header had initially given City the lead, but they were unable to hold on. This defeat marks City’s eighth loss in their last 11 games across all competitions, their worst run since 2003, significantly damaging their title hopes.
The loss prompted boos from City’s own supporters, and chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” from United fans. While Guardiola insists he is staying, having recently signed a new contract, questions are mounting about his future. Key players like Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, and Bernardo Silva appear to be struggling with the intensity of top-level competition, and City has lost its once-feared aura.
For United manager Ruben Amorim, this victory follows a hard-fought Europa League win against Viktoria Plzen, demonstrating the team’s resilience. Despite not being a perfect performance, United found a way to win, avoiding a potential third consecutive Premier League defeat. Amorim downplayed the significance of the win, but acknowledged it provides a foundation for the team to build upon, especially with challenging fixtures against Tottenham, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Arsenal on the horizon.
Erling Haaland’s recent dip in form is a major concern for City. He has scored only three goals in his last 11 league games and was effectively neutralized by Harry Maguire in the derby. When Haaland isn’t scoring, he contributes little to the team, and opponents have found success in focusing their defensive efforts on him. This period represents the biggest test of Haaland’s career, requiring him to demonstrate more than just goal-scoring ability.
Amorim made a bold decision to drop Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the matchday squad, a gamble that paid off handsomely with Amad’s crucial contributions. Amorim explained that the decision was based on more than just recent performances, despite the pair having scored 15 goals between them this season. This victory validates Amorim’s decision and establishes his authority within the team. He is also the first Manchester United manager to win his first Manchester derby since Alex Ferguson in 1987.
Mason Mount’s injury woes continued, forcing him off after just 14 minutes. Injuries have plagued his time at United, with him only completing 90 minutes once since joining the club. Amorim needs consistent players, and Mount’s recurring injuries are a concern. Gvardiol experienced a mixed afternoon, scoring City’s goal but also playing a role in United’s late winner. This comes after recent criticism of his performances, placing him under increased scrutiny.
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