Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City: Second-half goals from Brian Mbeumo and Patrick Dorg gave Michael Carrick’s side a memorable victory in the Manchester derby.
Brian Mbeumo and Patrick Dorg score goals for Manchester United in the derby (Image: Copa)
A second-half one-two from Brian Mbeumo and Patrick Dawg gave Michael Carrick the perfect start on Manchester United’s high profile stage as the Red Devils secured a clear victory over City in the derby.
United started like a house on fire and should have taken the lead with a goal from Harry Maguire, but they could only manage a header that hit the crossbar after just three minutes. Further chances arose for both teams, including Amad’s canceled goal, but Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes’ delightfully calm finish was chalked off by the referee, who ruled him offside with his toe.
Gianluigi Donnarumma made a world-class double save in the second half to deny Amad and Casemiro in quick succession, but Mbeumo found a way to break the domineering Italian just after the hour mark with a sublime low shot.
Impressing once again in a more attacking role, Dorg made the result safe in the 76th minute and earned bragging rights on a derby day that will long be remembered for the Manchester Reds.
read more: Breaking news: Diogo Dalot somehow avoids red card, Manchester United unanimously give him a red cardread more: Roy Keane takes a dig at Michael Carrick on live TV after Manchester United’s extraordinary verbal abuse defeat
1) Carrick’s joy on Derby day
The derby was Michael Carrick’s first game as Manchester United head coach (Image: Darren Staples/AFP)
The Manchester derby was described as something of a baptism of fire for Manchester United’s new manager, but it was the hosts who looked most dangerous in the first half. Maguire’s close-range header bounced off the bar early on and there were further good chances for Mbeumo and Amado, but the latter’s and Bruno Fernandes’ goals were canceled out by VAR.
United had the better chances in both halves and Mbeumo eventually got the goal, which was a worthwhile one. Dorg soon became comfortable lifting the roof at Old Trafford and was more than worthy of United.
It was a victory for United and Carrick, who could not have dreamed of a better start. No one is hooked at the end of 90 minutes. But United’s acquittal against City, who many expect to continue to reclaim the Premier League title, is certainly cause for optimism.
2) Donnarumma’s stand
Gianluigi Donnalonma celebrates after making a spectacular double save (Image: Darren Staples/AFP)
Donnarumma arrived in the Premier League with an original reputation, but at Derby he showed why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
He kept United at bay in the first half and his double stop to deny Amad and Casemiro after the break was pure quality.
City are on the back foot and with the impending addition of Marc Gehi, their chances of winning the title will be slim for obvious reasons. It wasn’t Donnarumma’s day today, but the City keeper didn’t deserve to end up on the losing side.
3) VAR takes center stage
Diogo Dalot avoids a red card with this tackle (Image: )
The first half was all good for United, but they were lucky to finish with 11 men after Diogo Dalot’s poor challenge on Jeremy Doku.
The Portugal international’s foot was high and reckless, hitting him in the knee and leaving Doc in agony. VAR, as well as referee Anthony Taylor, ruled that he deserved a yellow card. But it should have been red and Dalot was incredibly lucky not to walk.
4) Mynu returns to the fold
Coby Mainu has been recalled to Manchester United’s starting line-up for the derby by Michael Carrick (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United FC)
Mainu’s return to the starting lineup under Carrick came as little surprise, given his lack of playing time this season, which drew a mixture of anger and bewilderment from fans after he was ousted by manager Ruben Amorim.
His inclusion here would indicate that he is slated to play a more prominent role later in the season. And on a day when United fans had so much to shout about, that was another big plus.
5) City under Cosh in title race
Arsenal must be tired of seeing Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side have regained momentum in recent weeks and are putting pressure on the league leaders after years of losing out on the title until Liverpool’s victory last year.
But defeat in the derby means Arsenal will open up a nine-point lead over City if they win against Nottingham Forest, leaving Guardiola and his team with a mountain to climb.
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