Man Utd beat Man City with incredible late turnaround

On Sunday, Manchester United staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Manchester City 2-1 in a thrilling Premier League derby encounter. The victory, sealed by late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo, highlighted United’s resilience and City’s alarming propensity for self-destruction in key moments. Pep Guardiola’s team has lost eight of their past eleven matches, a concerning trend for the reigning champions.

How the Game Unfolded

United started energetically, pressing City and unsettling their rhythm. However, their momentum was disrupted just 14 minutes into the match when Mason Mount was injured and had to be replaced. This early blow shook United’s focus as City grew into the game.

It took 21 minutes for the first shot of the match. Phil Foden, receiving the ball just outside the penalty area, unleashed a volley that Andre Onana managed to parry away. Ruben Dias then headed wide from a corner, and Foden had another effort deflected off target shortly after.

United’s best chance of the first half came when Amad Diallo broke through one-on-one with Ederson, only for the offside flag to render the opportunity meaningless.

City finally broke the deadlock five minutes before halftime. A deflected ball entered the box, where Josko Gvardiol rose unmarked to head it past Onana. The visitors carried a 1-0 lead into the break, leaving United with a mountain to climb in the second half.

United’s Second-Half Revival

United came out with renewed aggression after halftime. Amad fired wide early in the half before Ederson was called into action, making a diving save to deny United their equalizer. Despite the pressure, the Red Devils struggled to find the back of the net.

With 17 minutes left, Rasmus Hojlund teed up Bruno Fernandes in the box, but the captain’s chipped shot agonizingly missed the post. United’s persistence, however, finally paid off in the dying moments of the match.

A critical error from Matheus Nunes handed United a penalty. His sloppy back-pass left Amad in a dangerous position, and a desperate challenge brought the winger down in the box. Fernandes stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick to level the score.

The equalizer spurred United on, and just minutes later, Amad capitalized on another City defensive lapse. Chasing down a loose ball, he rounded Ederson and slotted home a dramatic winner to complete United’s comeback.

Rashford and Garnacho Left Out

Before the game, the absence of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the matchday squad sparked widespread speculation. Manager Rubén Amorim clarified pre-match that their exclusion was not due to injuries but rather part of his broader strategy.

While Antony started as United’s sole wide forward, the team missed the attacking thrust Rashford and Garnacho usually provide. The decision may have raised eyebrows, but Amorim will hope it proves a masterstroke in the long run, prompting a reaction from the sidelined stars.

City’s Formation Change and Defensive Woes

To regain defensive stability, Guardiola reverted to the 3-2-4-1 formation that brought City success last season. The setup seemed to work for much of the match, but City’s recurring habit of late-game collapses again reared its head.

Playing as an auxiliary left-back, Matheus Nunes was at fault for United’s equalizer and winner. His back-pass led to the penalty, and his inability to deal with Amad’s relentless pressing allowed the winger to score the decisive goal. These moments of inattention are becoming a hallmark of City’s struggles this season.

United’s Set-Piece Vulnerability Continues

City’s opening goal was a stark reminder of United’s ongoing issues with defending set-pieces. While Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected cross played a role, Josko Gvardiol’s unchallenged header highlighted a lack of organization in United’s defensive setup. Rasmus Hojlund and Diogo Dalot appeared caught off guard, leaving Gvardiol free to head home easily.

Amorim will need to address these lapses urgently, as they continue to undermine United’s otherwise solid performances.

United’s Mental Resilience

Despite their shortcomings, United’s mentality was on full display. Amorim’s halftime team talk galvanized the players, who fought relentlessly in the second half. Even as time ticked away, United’s determination never wavered.

City’s defensive errors undoubtedly aided the equalizer, but United’s persistence and pressure created the conditions for those mistakes. Amad’s late winner epitomized the team’s fighting spirit, as the young winger justified Amorim’s faith in him with a performance to remember.

Mount’s Injury Woes

Mason Mount’s early withdrawal due to injury was another setback in a challenging season for the midfielder. Amorim’s high-energy approach had seemingly rejuvenated Mount’s form, but his fitness remains a concern.

In Mount’s absence, Bruno Fernandes moved further forward, while Kobbie Mainoo partnered Manuel Ugarte in midfield. However, if Mount faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, United’s attacking depth will be severely tested, especially with questions lingering over Rashford and Garnacho’s futures.

Conclusion

Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City was a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on City’s vulnerabilities. While defensive frailties and injuries remain areas of concern, the Red Devils showed they have the grit to overcome adversity.

For City, the loss highlights deeper issues that Guardiola must address. Moments of defensive fragility continue to cost them dearly, and their dominance is increasingly being called into question.

Both teams have much to ponder as the dust settles on this pulsating derby. For United, the win offers a platform to build on, while City face a crucial period of introspection as they seek to regain their composure and consistency.

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