On December 15, 2024, Manchester United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, thanks to an inspired performance from Amad Diallo. The 22-year-old winger scored the match-winning goal and also played a pivotal role by winning the equalizing penalty, leaving City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, to grapple with another loss.
The contest began on poor footing, with City taking the lead through Josko Gvardiol’s header shortly before halftime, making it look like they would edge out their rivals. The match, characterized by lackluster play from both sides, only came alive late when Diallo capitalized on defensive errors to turn the game on its head.
Until the match's closing moments, United struggled to find their rhythm, but Diallo changed the fortunes. After City’s Matheus Nunes mishandled a back-pass, Diallo nipped in to win the penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted to equalize with just two minutes to spare. Moments later, Diallo completed the comeback, expertly flicking the ball over Ederson, City’s goalkeeper, and sending the away fans wild.
Both teams exhibited tense play early on, with United shaking off criticism for their squad selection. New manager Ruben Amorim showed great resolve by dropping star players Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the matchday squad, but his faith was rewarded by Diallo’s heroics.
“We believe till the end. We managed to score, it was important for us and for our fans,” said Amorim, celebrating what many would call his bold decision during the match.
Diallo has rapidly established himself as one of United’s key players under Amorim. After the match, club captain Bruno Fernandes praised his teammate's performance, stating, “He’s been doing great things and there’s still a lot to come from him.” Fernandes recognized Diallo's knack for being alive during pivotal moments, which proved decisive on this occasion.
For City, the defeat compounded their struggles as they have now lost eight of their last eleven matches, placing them under pressure as they sit fifth on the Premier League table. After the game, Guardiola, visibly frustrated, admitted, “I’m the manager and I’m not good enough, simple as this.” His statement reflects the mounting tensions and expectations surrounding City this season.
Bernardo Silva expressed his disappointment, saying, “We totally deserved what happened,” alluding to the poor decision-making from the team during the closing minutes of the match, which cost them dearly. City’s late collapse questioned their composure and tactical mindset as the season progresses.
Diallo’s performance was hailed as the standout of the match, making him the Player of the Match. His contributions on the pitch highlight his rapid growth within the United squad, showcasing his potential and ability to deliver during clutch moments.
Fans and pundits alike were left breathless by the turnaround, which seemed improbable only moments before they celebrated. The ecstatic United supporters celebrated the victory like it was silverware, leaving City fans pondering how their fortunes had soured so significantly.
Going forward, Amorim knows the importance of maintaining this momentum as he embarks on his mission to restore United's glory. The victory against City, albeit imperfectly delivered, could serve as the catalyst for greater success, explaining why he felt justified in making the tough calls prior to the match.
For City, the pressure mounts as they prepare for their next fixture against Aston Villa, eager to overturn their unfortunate streak. Guardiola must find answers quickly to avoid what many see as the inevitable downfall of their squad.
While City grapples with internal crises, United can revel for the moment, with hopes this victory will restore their confidence. This Manchester derby may have appeared dull for the majority but ended with moments of magic and frustration as the balance of power tilted momentarily back to the red side of Manchester.
