Manchester United staged a thrilling comeback at the Etihad Stadium, securing a 2-1 victory against their rivals Manchester City in what will be remembered as one of the most dramatic derbies of the season. The game was filled with tension, with United trailing for most of the match due to Josko Gvardiol's first-half header.
Gvardiol's goal came from a well-executed short corner routine, which highlighted Manchester City's ability to capitalize on set pieces. This marked the fourth goal United conceded from set pieces across three Premier League games, indicating defensive frailties under their new coach, Ruben Amorim.
Despite being on the back foot for much of the game, United showed resilience. The momentum shifted dramatically when Amad Diallo was fouled by Matheus Nunes, who misjudged his pass, leading to a penalty awarded to United. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the spot-kick, successfully leveling the score at 1-1 just two minutes before the end of regular time.
But the excitement didn’t stop there. Just moments later, Diallo, who had continuously threatened throughout the match, capitalized on Ederson's inability to prevent his one-on-one chance. He showcased incredible skill to maneuver around the goalkeeper and score the decisive goal from a tight angle. This late strike not only clinched the victory for United but also marked their first win at City’s home ground since 2021.
This remarkable turnaround left City fans stunned, deepening the crisis surrounding Pep Guardiola’s squad, who have managed to secure only one victory from their last eleven competitive outings. Guardiola, visibly frustrated, acknowledged the need for his team to rethink their approach following this disappointing result.
"This year it happens many times unfortunately. We gave away many things. We are not nice in the way we played," Guardiola expressed to Sky Sports. His comment reflects the increasing concern over City's dismal form this season.
Ruben Amorim's tactical choices prior to the match proved pivotal. The exclusion of star players Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho raised eyebrows, yet it was clear his intention was to motivate the entire squad. Amorim, aged 39, maintained he opted for players based on their training performance and engagement with teammates. "We try to evaluate everything: training, performance... Everything is on the line when we analyze," he stated.
Despite the controversial decisions, the victory provided United with much-needed confidence as they navigated through the early challenges of the season. The win marked Amorim's second victory with United, but it felt monumental considering the circumstances.
Fernandes praised Diallo's impact, remarking on his consistency. "He has been doing great things, and there’s much more to come. He knows the expectations when playing for Manchester United," he remarked, emphasizing the promising talent Diallo possesses.
On the other hand, Bernardo Silva from City didn’t hold back on criticizing the team’s lack of composure leading to their downfall. "If you make these kinds of stupid decisions with three or four minutes to go, you deserve to pay for it," Silva stated, encapsulating the frustrations of City after what should have been a secured derby win. The defeat leaves City languishing as they struggle to regain their competitive edge.
Interestingly, this loss for City means they have now conceded defeats after leading at halftime for the second consecutive derby match, marking what could be seen as alarming trends for the reigning champions. The tactical decisions by Amorim are already starting to ripple through United, who hope the comeback win is just the beginning of an upward trend.
Next fixtures beckon with both teams needing to recalibrate swiftly. United's supporters were left elated not only by the victory but also by the palpable turnaround they witnessed, hinting at promising changes under Amorim. Meanwhile, City will have to regroup and find solutions quickly to climb back up the league standings.
This intense Manchester derby did not just bring about bragging rights; it has added layers to the narrative of this Premier League season, igniting expectations for both clubs as they tread on different paths. While United can bask in this victory and build on it, City needs to introspect and recover, ensuring past inconsistencies do not haunt them for much longer.
