The Manchester Derby might have lost the heat and excitement
over the years with El Clasico replacing them successfully in this age of
high-tech digitization and social media, but the intensity still persists
among the fans. Still today, the matches between Liverpool and Manchester
United or he Manchester Derby draw enough eye-balls and mind you, they do live
up to their billing.
For Manchester City and United, this season has been all
about mixed feelings – here comes a sweet victory, but all of a sudden
everything is overshadowed either by a defeat or off the field incidents.
Still, City and United kept on fighting. They fought for their pride. They
fought for the fans and they are still fighting for the game name football,
which has given them everything.
On Sunday evening, Pep Guardiola was undone by two costly
mistakes from Ederson. Not only that, his team was outweighed by Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer’s young boys, who were never short of intensity.
While Real Madrid’s midfield was struggling to find their
feet at Benito Villa Marin, the midfield of United looked solid and creative –
Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Scott McTominay have given United the boost at the
center of the park. Especially, Fernades seems to be an inspiring signing.
Since making his debut on 1st February, Fernandes has been
involved in more goals (5) than any other players. He was instrumental in
creating opportunities and commands the midfield like a leader – his assist to
Anthony Martial for the opener says it all: a smart free-kick and his direction
prompted Anthony Martial to proceed – Ederson allowed Martial volley to slip
through his gasps.
Meanwhile, Fred had been the factor of solidity and his
composure gave Fernandes the freedom to move around.
Not so long ago, the United midfield was in shambles, but
under Ole this once average midfield is beginning to click not because they are
very talented, but a bunch of hardworking blokes, who just wish to improve and
prove their worth in the theatre of dreams.
City pressurized enough in the second half, but United
showed enough intent to sustain those. Then McTominay scored an injury-time
second after Ederson's throw went straight to his feet.
Certainly, it was a night that Ederson would love to forget
along with his manager Guardiola. It’s not the first time that his mistakes
cost City, but even before he was at the wrong end.
United who were beaten at home by City in the past 3
meetings claimed a top-flight double over their arch-rivals for the first time
since 2009-10to leave the Champions' title defence hanging by a thread. It was
Guardiola's first league loss at Old Trafford that brought an end to City's
five-game winning run in all competitions.
It was cagey affairs from the word go – David de Gea had to
stretch and deny a dangerous Raheem Sterling as City hinted, they mean business
at Old Trafford. But United grew in stature – compactness defined their style.
City had only one shot in the first half, their lowest tally in a league game
since October 2018 against Liverpool.
The joy in the face of Ole says how much this victory means
to him and United.
Pep and City had to leave Old Trafford with a sad face.
Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 09/03/20 Manchester United tame City yet again
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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