United Beyond Manchester

In the 192nd Manchester Derby, Manchester City showed Sir Jim Ratcliffe just how much work needs to be done on this current Manchester United squad. While United were ahead for almost fifty minutes, City’s quality showed through and their dominance led to a 3-1 victory.

The First Half

Manchester City dominated the ball in the first seven minutes, but it was Manchester United who struck first.

Marcus Rashford produced a moment of utter magic in the 8th minute when he smashed a ball from outside the box into the top corner. Bruno Fernandes laid the ball off and Rashford hit the ball off the underside of bar and past Ederson.

City got in behind for the first time in the 18th minute, but Andre Onana made a good save in a 1v1 situation with Phil Foden.

Andre Onana made another great save on a Rodri volley that he was able to parry away from his bottom corner.

Erling Haaland missed a sitter in the 44th minute when he put a tap-in opportunity over the bar. Phil Foden headed the ball across the box, and Haaland failed to find the target from four yards out.

Despite an 18-2 shot discrepancy, Manchester took a 1-0 lead into the half.

The Second Half

Manchester City finally made their attacking dominance count in the 55th minute with a laser from Phil Foden. The England international cut inside and found the far top corner with his left foot.

Jonny Evans was withdrawn in the 69th minute. The 36-year-old was fantastic and made his experience count while he was on the pitch. 19-year-old defender Willy Kambwala came on for the experienced defender.

The hosts made the breakthrough in the 80th minute when Phil Foden broke through and placed the ball past Onana. An untracked give-and-go from the midfield gave Foden a free lane to finish his second of the day.

Manchester City finished off the game through Haaland after substitute Sofyan Amrabat lost the ball right outside of the Manchester United box. Haaland received the ball and placed it past Onana, who could do nothing about it.

Man of the Match

Jonny Evans was fantastic until he was withdrawn midway through the second half. When he was withdrawn, the game was still level at one. Evans read the game extremely well and alongside Varane, kept City at bay for most of the match. The 36-year-old’s confidence was high, and he even tried making a few forays forward on the break. Despite a 3-1 loss, Jonny Evans is my Man of the Match.

Player Ratings

Andre Onana: 7

Diogo Dalot: 7

Jonny Evans: 8

Raphael Varane: 7

Victor Lindelof: 6

Kobbie Mainoo: 6

Casemiro: 6

Bruno Fernandes: 6

Scott McTominay: 5

Alejandro Garnacho: 4

Marcus Rashford: 7

Looking Ahead

Manchester United will be back at Old Trafford next Saturday for a Premier League game against Everton. United will need to get back to winning in the Premier League to have any chance at getting back into the Champions League next season.

The Reds will also be keeping an eye on the upcoming FA Cup match against Liverpool. United will get a home game at Old Trafford for the competition’s quarterfinal. Erik Ten Hag will be looking to progress in the competition to save something positive from this season.