Utd get the blues in derby defeat
The reds suffered a second loss of the season as they went down to their city rivals at Old Trafford. It came in controversial fashion as the winner appeared to be offside. They lacked the urgency though especially when facing ten men.
It is now four wins from four for Maresco’s side though. They were not especially great in the game attacking wise, but remained resolute throughout. They seem determined to reclaim the league title again.
Michael Carrick made three changes from the side who won on Thursday. Back came in Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford. Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro and Benjamin Sesko dropped to the bench. He was unable to recall Luke Shaw so Patrick Dorgu stayed at left back.
Enzo Maresca made just one change from their win in Porto. Elliott Anderson came back in for Ayyoub Bouaddi. Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki were both passed fit to start.
The game was pre-empted by a protest against the club ownership. The Red Army group had removed the usual flags and banners ahead of the game. Instead one single banner read “The way you treat us is a disgrace”. There is as much anger towards Jim Radcliffe as there is the Glazers.
It was a noticeably cagey start from both sides. Lisandro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez did have efforts that were comfortably dealt with by both keepers. With the tackles flying around, some were lucky to not receive early bookings.
That all changed on 22 minutes though. Both Bruno Fernandes and Phil Foden were tussling for the ball in midfield. The Utd captain swiped at the City midfielder in an attempt to retrieve the ball. Foden responded by lunging at Fernandes with his studs. He received a straight red card despite his shocked expression.
Despite being down to ten players, it was the away side who had the greater possession. Chances were still at a premium though. Rayan Cherki had an effort blocked by Kobbie Mainoo while Antoine Semenyo saw a cross deflected wide by Youri Tielemans.
It was the home side who almost struck first right on half time. Fernandez conceded a free kick 25 yards from goal. Marcus Rashford stepped up to curl it over the wall and towards the bottom corner. It smacked off the post with Gianluigi Donnaruma beaten.
The home side began to crank the pressure into the second half. Mainoo was left cursing his luck on 51 minutes. Diogo Dalot and Fernandes combined to set up the midfielder 25 yards out. His dipping shot cracked off the left post, rebounded off Donnaruma and out to safety. Rashford then had a hit deflected into the side netting.
It was on the hour that the game changed again. Patrick Dorgu conceded possession to allow Iliman N’Diaye spread it out to Josko Gvardiol. His deflected cross was headed home at the back post by Erling Haaland. He appeared to be offside but ruled on due to the cross deflecting off Dorgu. The officials failed to examine Fernandez in the centre who was definitely offside and made an attempt for a header. The goal stood amazingly.
Benjamin Sesko made his entrance as Carrick had to chase the game. It almost got worse on 68 minutes. Haaland found Fernandez whose effort was tipped onto the post by Senne Lammens.
Fernandes had a chance pushed aside by Donnaruma as they tried to respond. Haaland did have a good chance to double the lead. He tapped wide from a Fernandez free kick. The Argentine who was booed throughout then went over looking for a penalty. He was booked for arguing with Maguire in the aftermath.
United were desperate to land the equaliser in the closing stages. It appeared they had found it when Fernandes split the defense with an excellent through-ball for Bryan Mbeumo. His drive was palmed over by Donnaruma to the dismay of the Cameroon forward.
That proved to be the final action to the delight of the visitors. It keeps them on the coat-tails of Arsenal at the top. The home side ultimately did not do enough against ten players away from the goal award. It is a second loss already and the usual questions will begin of Carrick. Both sides are in Carabao Cup action this week. The reds must respond against Brighton at home on Wednesday. City take on Norwich on Thursday.
Manchester United: Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu, Youri Tielemans (Benjamin Sesko 68), Kobbie Mainoo, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford (Joshua Zirkzee 82), Matheus Cunha
Subs not used: Karl Darlow, Noussair Mazraoui, Mason Mount, Leny Yoro, Andrey Santos, Ayden Heaven, Shea Lacey.
Booked: Harry Maguire (80),
Sent Off: None
Manchester City: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Enzo Fernandez (Nico O’ Reilly 81), Elliott Anderson, Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki (Iliman N’Diaye 46), Antoine Semenyo, Erling Haaland.
Subs not used: Germonio Rulli, Mateo Kovavic, Victor Reis, Ayyob Bouaddi, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis.
Booked: Enzo Maresca (45+1), Josko Gvardiol (79), Enzo Fernandez (80),
Sent Off: Phil Foden (22)
Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 74,161
Simply Red Man of the Match: Kobbie Mainoo
Leave a Reply