Manchester United staged a sensational late comeback to defeat rivals Manchester City 2-1 in a dramatic Manchester derby on Sunday.
Trailing to Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header, United appeared destined for defeat before City unraveled in spectacular fashion. Bruno Fernandes equalized from the penalty spot in the 85th minute, and moments later, Amad Diallo scored the winner, condemning Pep Guardiola’s side to their eighth loss in 11 games.
How the Match Unfolded
City dominated possession early, but United’s aggressive pressing frustrated the hosts. United’s game plan suffered a setback just 14 minutes in when Mason Mount was forced off with an injury.
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Chances were sparse in the opening exchanges. Phil Foden registered City’s first real effort in the 21st minute, volleying wide from the edge of the box. Shortly after, a deflected attempt from Foden went wide, and Ruben Dias headed over from the resulting corner.
United’s best first-half opportunity came from Amad Diallo, who dragged a one-on-one effort wide, though an offside flag spared his blushes.
City took the lead in the 35th minute when a deflected cross found Gvardiol, whose pinpoint header beat Andre Onana to give the hosts a deserved halftime advantage.
Second-Half Revival
United showed more urgency after the break, with Amad forcing Ederson into a diving save, albeit from an off-target effort. Despite their increased intensity, United struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Bruno Fernandes squandered a golden opportunity in the 73rd minute, scuffing a chip wide after being played through by Rasmus Højlund. Kobbie Mainoo then headed over from a promising position as time began to run out.
United finally found their breakthrough in the 85th minute. A careless back-pass from Matheus Nunes allowed Amad to race through on goal, only for Nunes to bring him down with a desperate challenge. Fernandes stepped up and converted the penalty with composure to level the score.
City’s woes deepened moments later. Amad capitalized on confusion in City’s box, flicking the ball past Ederson before volleying it into the net to complete the comeback.
Key Talking Points
- City’s Collapse: Once again, Guardiola’s side struggled to close out a game, highlighting defensive frailties and a lack of composure under pressure.
- United’s Resilience: Despite a lackluster first half, United’s determination and energy after the break proved decisive.
- Amad’s Impact: The young winger played a pivotal role, drawing the penalty and scoring the winning goal in a memorable performance.
The victory lifts United’s spirits and adds momentum to their campaign, while City face growing concerns as their poor form continues.