Manchester United produced a brilliant late turnaround to come from behind and beat Manchester City in a dramatic derby at Old Trafford.
City saw themselves close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal when substitute Jack Grealish put them ahead on the hour from Kevin De Bruyne’s cross, only for United to send their fans into raptures with a stunning comeback.
Erik ten Hague’s side controversially leveled with 12 minutes remaining when Bruno Fernandes scored despite Marcus Rashford being in an offside position, with City protesting that he had interfered with play despite the flag being raised. Ignored.
Rashford was again the central figure four minutes later when he swept home substitute Alejandro Garnacho’s cross at the Stratford end to move United within a point of City, who remain five points behind Arsenal.
United make statement
United were punished and injured after their 6-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in early October, a scoreline that actually flattered them – but Ten Hague insisted lessons had been learned.
And so they have. The win means United have lost just one of their last 19 games in all competitions and are now third in the table to City, which is barely credible after that derby defeat and the season. A terrible start saw them lose at home to Brighton. Before being overwhelmed at Brentford.
Fernandes’ parity will continue to be debated, but what is inevitable is a marked improvement under Ten Hague in terms of discipline and strategy to the point where United look solid in the top four and may even overtake Arsenal. Also take a look at the leaders, who are six points ahead of them.
The sight of Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane, who won a series of headers in stoppage time among others, fist-bumping and whipping the fans at the final whistle, was a sign of United’s renewed belief and confidence.
A resurgent Rashford was not deterred by spurning two first-half chances and turning Garnacho’s cross past exposed City keeper Ederson for the winner.
United’s recovery was slow but assured under Ten Hague and the scenes from the final whistle showed that a giant who had lost his way was slowing to find himself again.
City disappointed – and furious
City’s players were left with mixed emotions when the final whistle blew after this tumultuous defeat.
The Premier League champions looked in control after Grealish’s goal after a shaky first half, only for United to turn the tables on them amid chaotic scenes late on.
City were deeply disappointed by the defeat and resentful of Fernandes’ decision to allow the equaliser.
Rashford was clearly offside when he chased down Casemiro’s pass, but missed the ball, leaving it for Fernandes to slot past Ederson.
City’s argument, justifiably, was that Rashford was having a significant impact on the incident without even touching the ball because his presence clearly put him in a position where he could influence Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji. It was on the ability to challenge.
Referee Stuart Attwell consulted his assistant and the goal was awarded, angering City as their players faced the official at the final whistle.
City, trying to bounce back from Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat at Southampton, did not have their usual fluency but their unhappiness at the result will be made all the more acute by the decisions going against them. But they are dissatisfied.
