Manchester United staged a remarkable comeback against their rivals, Manchester City, with Amad Diallo stealing the limelight during the match held at the Etihad Stadium on December 16, 2024. The game, part of the English Premier League’s 2024-25 season, ended with United winning 2-1.
Manchester City initially took the lead with a goal from Josko Gvardiol, who scored from Kevin De Bruyne's corner kick just before half-time. Gvardiol’s powerful header found the back of the net, putting United at a disadvantage as they headed for the break trailing 0-1.
But the game turned dramatically for United as they upped their attacking game after the interval. With just moments left on the clock, Diallo was instrumental by winning a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted to even the score. The match saw Fernandes expertly deceive Ederson, City’s goalkeeper, putting the ball confidently to the right side of the net.
Just when it seemed the match would end with the teams level, Diallo struck again, putting United on top. Following a long pass from Lisandro Martinez, Diallo professionally maneuvered the ball past the oncoming Ederson and slotted it home in the dying moments of the match, sealing their thrilling 2-1 victory.
This victory was particularly significant for Manchester United as it marked their rebirth; having overcome prior disappointments, they now stood at 13th place, after having only gained 22 points so far this season. The win also pulled them out of back-to-back losses.
Diallo’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. According to statistics from 'SofaScore', he significantly contributed, registering one assist, two shots on target, winning two penalties, and maintaining impressive pass accuracy at 94% over 34 attempts. He was pivotal to his team’s success, earning him the highest rating of 8.3 for the match.
United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, praised Diallo’s dynamic play, stating, “He was the brightest spark for United, providing pivotal moments when it mattered most.” Amorim’s first Manchester derby resulted in sweet victory, showcasing his team’s fighting spirit.
This derby defeat compounded Manchester City’s issues, as they now sit fifth with just one win from their last eleven matches across all competitions. The defeat raises questions about their earlier strong season, as they seek to return to the championship path, now grappling with UEFA Champions League qualification uncertainty.
The first half saw City dominating possession, with early chances created by Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. They nearly extended their lead through multiple attempts, capitalizing on United’s shaky defense.
Despite their efforts, City couldn’t find the back of the net anymore after Gvardiol’s opener, with the first half ending with only one goal separating the teams.
Diallo’s role grew stronger as the game developed; he consistently challenged City’s defense, putting pressure on their backline. The turning point was his decisive action which led to the penalty, showcasing his ability to seize opportunities even when the team looked down and out.
After conceding possession, United showed tactical resilience, transitioning from defense to attack swiftly as they searched for the equalizer, emphasizing Diallo's significance through his determined runs and positioning.
City’s players, particularly Foden and De Bruyne, tested United’s defense frequently, but to no avail as United tightened their strategy, reacting well to the pressure and elevatively pushing forward, believing they could change their fortunes.
The victory well earns United much-needed emotional relief, having faced challenges recently, and it marks significant morale and momentum for forthcoming fixtures.
Following their victory, United fans could breathe easy and rejoice, having overcome their rivals triumphantly. The legendary Manchester derby once again lived up to its reputation, leaving supporters and players alike eager for what's next.
