Manchester United pulled off a stunning comeback against Manchester City, stealing the spotlight on the Premier League stage with a dramatic 2-1 victory during the 2024-2025 season’s Manchester derby. The match, held late on the 16th of December, saw United secure their first win against their local rivals this season, providing much-needed momentum after struggling performances the previous weeks.
City opened the scoring early and looked set to continue their dominance, but United’s late surge turned the tide. Fans and analysts alike were watching closely, considering both teams were mired in struggles, City particularly showing signs of distress under Pep Guardiola's management.
Entering the derby, Manchester City stood at fifth place with 27 points, showing only 8 wins out of 15 matches, including 4 losses. Their last league outing saw them manage just 1 win from the last 10 matches, and after recent disheartening defeats, including the 2-0 loss to Juventus just days prior, City seemed desperate for points to keep their title ambitions alive.
Meanwhile, Manchester United had their own set of challenges, sitting at 13th place with 19 points from 15 matches. The club, recently managed by Ruben Amorim after the departure of Erik ten Hag, had only managed to collect two points from their last two league fixtures. The pressure was immense as they faced their local rivals, hoping for redemption to galvanize their season.
The match started with both teams feeling each other out, but it was City who drew first blood. Foden's corner kicked began the sequence of play, eventually leading to Josko Gvardiol's deft header putting the home side 1-0 up at the 36th minute, sending their fans at the Etihad Stadium wild.
Despite the setback, United regrouped after halftime, gaining confidence and finally finding their rhythm. The breakthrough moment came late; with only two minutes left on the clock, Ahmad Diallo drew a penalty after being fouled by Matheus Nunes. Bruno Fernandes, ever calm under pressure, stepped up and converted the kick, equalizing the match.
But United's determination didn't end there. Just moments later, they struck again; the momentum shifted dramatically, and Ahmad Diallo scored the winning goal after receiving a perfect long pass from Lisandro Martinez, efficiently slotting it past the rushing Ederson to erupt scenes of joy among the United fanbase.
This victory not only secured three points but also bolstered United's confidence, allowing them to overcome the previous two defeats. Following the match, Fernandes praised Diallo’s performance, calling him "unstoppable" and expressing hope for his continued development.
Manchester City's Guardiola faced harsh criticism post-match, as his team's severe drop from their previous successes was glaringly evident. The defeat left them with 28 points, maintaining their fifth place but now 8 points behind rising competitors.
The loss signifies more than just points; it invites questions about City’s current form and its future. Discussions around Guardiola's tactics and player performances will undoubtedly surface, especially with them now sitting at risk of dropping out of European competition if they are unable to turn their fortunes around.
For Arsenal and Liverpool, the results are advantageous. Sharp increases from their performances have secured firm standings at the top of the table, contrasting significantly with City and United’s erratic forms.
Looking back at the match, it was the tenacity and spirit of Manchester United galvanizing their efforts, where they looked beaten but did not give up. They demonstrated resilience, reminding everyone why the Manchester derby carries such weight and excitement.
Ahmad, regarded as the standout player of the match, saw 92% of fan votes for "Man of the Match"—a significant achievement reflecting his impact not just on this game but also on the team’s aspirations moving forward.
Fans and players alike will now be eager to see if United can continue this new momentum, as they turn their focus toward future fixtures as underdogs making strides.
This match is expected to reshape how both teams approach the season, setting the stage for fierce rivalry and intriguing matchups as the Premier League moves closer to its winter prospects.
