Manchester City’s struggles continued on December 15, 2024, when they faced off against rivals Manchester United, suffering another defeat with a final score of 2-1. The game ended dramatically, with United scoring two late goals to steal the victory. Bruno Fernandes netted the equalizer with just three minutes left to play, and Amad Diallo struck the winning goal during stoppage time, as City’s defensive frailties were exposed once again.
City had initially taken the lead when Josko Gvardiol capitalized on a poor defensive lapse from United, scoring with a header from Kevin De Bruyne’s set-piece delivery. The opening goal came as City pressed hard, taking strong control of possession during the early minutes. Manager Pep Guardiola’s side was expected to assert dominance over their rivals, especially after winning five of their last six Premier League encounters against United. Unfortunately, the match slipped away from them due to two pivotal mistakes.
It was Matheus Nunes who found himself at the center of the controversy, having been assigned to play as makeshift left-back due to several players’ injuries. According to reports from various sources, including the Manchester Evening News, his performance drew criticism from fans and analysts alike. Nunes made an untimely back pass which was intercepted and led to his clumsy challenge on Amad Diallo, resulting in a penalty awarded to United. Fernandes calmly converted, leveling the game and shifting the momentum decisively.
Guardiola addressed the post-match situation, emphasizing the collective nature of the mistakes rather than singling out Nunes. The manager asserted, “It’s not about this or any specific player. We gave away goals, our fault. We don’t play with composure,” showcasing his frustration at the overall performance of the team and their inability to maintain leads. He reiterated the sentiment, stating, “We’ve not lost this amount of games over two seasons. It’s distressing.”
Matheus Nunes has been under intensified scrutiny following the match, with social media abuzz with harsh critiques. Some social media users expressed disbelief at his decisions during the game, prompting discontent among the fan base. Comments like, “Matheus Nunes has to be a double agent” and various demands for his removal echoed throughout X. Despite the backlash, Guardiola defended Nunes, noting his out-of-position play was problematic but not the root of the defeat. “We have to play with more resolve, more creativity,” Guardiola lamented.
The second half saw United regroup and take control, with Diallo’s dramatic winner underscoring City’s defensive breakdown. Ederson, City’s goalkeeper, faced criticism for his lapse during the second goal, and with City now sitting fifth on the Premier League table, fans’ frustration is palpable. The team has recorded only one win from their last eleven matches, raising concerns among supporters about the direction of their season.
For United, the victory provided much-needed optimism, particularly under manager Ruben Amorim. Following the collapse of their previous few games, this win signifies not just three points but perhaps the turning point for the Red Devils, who have struggled with form as well. Amorim, who previously managed Sporting CP, has now claimed his first major derby victory and brought hope back to United’s campaign.
The match’s conclusion did not only affect the players but sent ripples through both clubs' fanbases, highlighting the intense rivalry and its stakes. While City grapples with questions of performance consistency and tactical effectiveness, United will be savoring the sweet taste of victory, believing they may finally be back on the right track post-defeat.
The loss will undoubtedly prompt conversations among City’s management and coaching staff about tactics, squad depth, and player performance as they prepare for their next fixture against Aston Villa on December 21. With the Premier League’s competitive nature, every match becomes increasingly pivotal, raising the stakes for the upcoming weeks as teams jockey for position.
Looking forward, Guardiola will need to find solutions quickly to address these repeated shortcomings. The question leading City fans is clear: can Pep recalibrate their strategy effectively before it’s too late?
