Manchester City suffered for a long time in this derby against Manchester United. At Old Trafford, the Red Devils, with the Mbeumo-Fernandes-Rashford trio, quickly took control of the debates, driven in particular by a very restless Rashford against Cityzens, in a classic composition with Cherki as playmaker. But the Skyblues were hit by a huge blow with the direct expulsion of Foden for a gesture of frustration on Bruno Fernandes, who could also have been excluded (23rd).
Reduced to ten in a strong moment for the Red Devils, City suffered the attacks of their neighbor, but Donnarumma was vigilant in his cages. In numerical superiority, Manchester United logically pushed to take the advantage. Michael Carrick’s men, however, lacked precision in the last move and came up against an eye-catching Mancunian defense. Just before the break, Rashford thought he could break the deadlock with a perfectly struck free kick, but the post came to save Donnarumma (45th). Carrick’s men could even have regretted not having opened the score.
Manchester United may have regrets
But after the break, MU resumed with the same intentions after returning from the locker room and Mainoo also found the post with a superb strike from the edge of the area (51st). A lack of realism which was cruel for United, since, against the run of play, it was ultimately Manchester City who extinguished Old Trafford. On a cross from Gvardiol slightly deflected by Dorgu, Erling Haaland threw himself at the far post to send the ball into the opposite corner. Initially refused, the Norwegian’s goal was finally validated after intervention by the VAR (0-1, 60th).
Despite its numerical inferiority, Manchester City then managed to contain the Red Devils’ offensives and even had a huge opportunity to make the break. Fernandez unleashed a powerful strike at the edge of the area, slightly deflected by Lammens on his post (69th). United then pushed into the opposing half and the equalizing ball was missed by Mbeumo after a superb save from Donnarumma (90th + 4). As a result, Manchester City carried out a great operation and had a fourth success in four days. On the other hand, Manchester United’s start to the season is complicated with only four points in four days.
