MANCHESTER CITY – MANCHESTER UNITED (1-2): Manchester turned red after Diallo and United turned the match around – and with that, they took three points away against Manchester City on Sunday.
Manchester City started the match best and led at halftime, but towards the end, Amad Diallo showed why he is preferred in Ruben AmorimS starting eleven.
Injury troubles and early substitution
There was no doubt that City showed signs of having many defenders on the injury list. When the referee blew the whistle to start the match, midfielder Matheus Nunes fell into the back line as a left-back. However, he quickly slipped back into midfield when City had the ball.
A blow to Manchester United’s joy was that Mason Mount had to sit down early in the first half due to injury. A visibly frustrated Mount was substituted, and local youngster Kobe Mainoo came on.
As the first half progressed, City managed to settle down more with the ball and thus managed to push United back into their half.
The red devils themselves did not create much either, except for one moment. In the 24th minute, Amad Diallo suspiciously found himself alone behind city’s defense, but his shot was not precise enough and the ball crept outside the post. Additionally, the Ivorian was offside, so the outcome would have been the same anyway.
Another corner conceded
In the 26th minute, it finally clicked for City. Midfield jewel Kevin De Bruyne took a corner quickly, got the ball back promptly, and whipped in the cross. The ball deflected off a united player before finding the head of Josko Gvardiol, who rose in the air and volleyed the ball into the net behind André Onana.
TOOK THE LEAD: A chance-poor first half was only interrupted by a goal from a corner by Josko Gvardiol.
Photo: Jason cairnduff (Reuters/NTB)
– United’s statistics on defensive set pieces have been terrible, says Sky Sports expert and United veteran Gary Neville.
And the former right-back is right about that. Gvardiol’s header was the eighth goal United has conceded from corners this season.
– The worst I see on a football field
Right after the first goal, United visited City’s half.In a duel with Kyle Walker, Rasmus Højlund fell to the ground. He then stormed after Walker, and the two opponents stood head to head. Walker then collapsed, and teammates in red and light blue rushed in. After the tumult had broken up, referee anthony Taylor pulled out the yellow card and handed it to both Højlund and Walker.
HEAD TO HEAD: Kyle walker caught a lot of heat after throwing himself down while standing forehead to forehead with Rasmus Højlund.
Photo:
According to BBC reporter Simon Stone, Walker received a yellow card for the duel, while Højlund got his for the tumult afterwards.
Expert Nils johan Semb said in viaplay’s studio that the referee fortunately did not buy into Kyle Walker’s diving, so Højlund was not sent off.
– I find it embarrassing,realy embarrassing. That’s the worst thing I see on a football field. We have seen players sent off in such situations, but here the referee keeps calm and gives a yellow card to both, says Nils Johan Semb about Kyle Walker’s diving.
– It’s so embarrassing to see. It’s almost like he should receive a ban afterwards, says Semb about the City captain’s behavior.
Roy Keane was also not impressed with Kyle Walker.
– He should be ashamed. I don’t know the guy, but I’m ashamed for him. It’s disgraceful, said the Irish United legend.
After the match,Rasmus Højlund posted a little hint about what he thought of the episode on Instagram.
– Manchester is red,violets are blue,for a brilliant performance,but the Oscar goes to… wrote the United striker.
The first half ended at halftime without further notable events.
Squandered huge chance
Manchester United started the second half by taking control of the ball. But the chances were lacking.
– A lot of ball-tapping around without much tempo,said Viaplay expert Tor Ole Skullerud.
When 60 minutes had passed, the teams combined had made 650 passes, but the ball was only touched 19 times within the two 16-meter boxes.
In the 63rd minute, there were shouts for a penalty for Manchester United. Højlund got through, but with strong pressure from behind by Ruben Dias. Dias then caught Højlund’s leg with his foot, but not enough to blow for a penalty, referee Taylor confirmed.
In the 74th minute, the red devils finally managed to create a big prospect.Højlund received the ball in the space and sent Bruno Fernandes through with a precise flick. The United captain delicately lobbed the ball over an advancing ederson, but the ball ended up on the wrong side of the post.
Crazy comeback
Just as Guardiola’s men could almost smell victory, Mathias Nunes messed up. A careless pass backward with no direction was intercepted by Amad Diallo. Nunes sprinted back to rectify his own mistake but only made things worse. Diallo was knocked over by the brazilian, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
– It’s reckless, terribly clumsy from Nunes, said Skullerud.
CONFIDENT: From eleven meters, Bruno Fernandes rarely makes mistakes, not this time either.
Photo: Phil Noble (Reuters/NTB)
But United were not finished. Just minutes after the penalty goal, Diallo broke through again. United defender Martinez sent a long pass into space that Diallo skillfully controlled.This time he did it all himself.
– It’s art, said Wikestad, and Skullerud followed up:
– The best player on the pitch seems to decide a rather gray and slightly boring derby. What a goal and what a touch, said Skullerud.
Within two minutes, the match had turned on its head.
DIALLO MAGIC: In just a few minutes, defeat turned to victory and Amad Diallo’s second goal of the season secured three points for the Reds from Manchester.
Photo: jason Cairnduff (Reuters/NTB)
– It’s almost hard to believe, said Skullerud.
As the referee blew the final whistle, boos rang out from the home supporters at Ethiad Stadium.
– Must have given Guardiola a shock
The English experts are also full of praise for Manchester United’s comeback but critical of Manchester City’s performance.
– This is somthing that doesn’t happen against Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, said gary Neville.
Sky sports colleague Micah Richards, a former right-back for Manchester City, was also left speechless after the City defeat.
– One win in eleven matches for the reigning champions. I’m overwhelmed, he said after the match.
Former midfield stalwart and captain of Manchester United, Roy Keane, believes Pep Guardiola must have been shocked by the way City lost. He is also full of praise for match-winner Amad Diallo.
– he deserves this. He has energy and quality. One is a bit concerned too – becuase he is a young guy and has to keep his feet on the ground, but it was a great afternoon for him, said Keane.
– We need to reflect
Diallo was of course very pleased with the final result.He told Sky Sports that the match was a proper derby.
– If you’re going to play this game, it’s about winning and we showed that we can win any match. I thank God, and now we focus on the next game, said the Ivorian.
City veteran Bernardo Silva, on the other hand, was not happy when he gave an interview after the match. To the rights holder, Silva said they now need to reflect.
– In the last minutes of the match, we played like a boys’ 15 team. We had to pay the price for that. We deserved what happened. Foolish choices we made. It’s the choices you make that define, said the Portuguese.
What tactical changes did Manchester United implement in the second half of the Manchester derby that led to their comeback?
Title: Manchester Derby Analysis: Unpacking the Exciting Clash Between Manchester City and Manchester United
Setting: A cozy studio adorned with football memorabilia. The Time.news editor, Sam, sits opposite the football expert, Dr. Emma Roberts, a renowned sports analyst.
Sam: Welcome, Dr. Roberts! It’s great to have you here to discuss that thrilling Manchester derby yesterday! What an exciting match!
Dr. Roberts: Thanks for having me, Sam! Absolutely, the spectacle was electrifying, especially with the way it turned around in the second half.
Sam: Manchester City started strong, leading at halftime. What do you think went wrong for them after that?
Dr. roberts: City had a definite edge initially, and their goal from Gvardiol showed their ability to capitalize on set pieces, wich has been a weakness for United this season. But I believe they underestimated United’s resilience. When Amad Diallo stepped up, he was pivotal in changing the tide.
Sam: Speaking of injuries, City had several defenders missing. How do you think that impacted their performance?
Dr. Roberts: It definitely played a significant role. Matheus Nunes had to adapt to a left-back position, which is not his natural game.This defensive shuffle may have thrown off their rhythm, especially as United capitalized on that instability. When key players are missing, it can lead to lapses in defensive coordination, as we saw with United’s resurgence.
Sam: Mason Mount’s early exit due to injury was quite unfortunate. How do you think that affected United’s strategy?
Dr. Roberts: Mount’s substitution disrupted United’s flow. But in came the promising young talent, Kobe Mainoo, who came on with energy. Sometimes, these young players can bring a spark that changes the dynamic of the game entirely. United seemed to gain a bit of confidence, especially as the match progressed.
Sam: The match had its fair share of controversies, especially with the head-to-head encounter between kyle Walker and Rasmus Højlund. What’s yoru take on that?
Dr. Roberts: That was a captivating moment, indeed. it raised questions about sportsmanship, especially with Walker’s dramatic fall. Many analysts, including Roy keane, were critical of Walker’s actions, labeling them as shameful. It’s moments like these that can affect team morale and momentum; if Walker had been sent off,it could have drastically changed the outcome.
Sam: We can’t forget about United’s comeback. They seemed to find their groove in the second half. What changes did you observe in their play?
Dr. Roberts: United became more aggressive and started pressing higher up the pitch. They also focused more on creating opportunities, despite a lack of finishing in the final third.The flick from Højlund to Fernandes was a particularly beautiful moment, showcasing their attacking potential, even though the execution wasn’t flawless. Their comeback was underpinned by a sense of determination, refusing to be defeated.
Sam: For all the excitement and twists in the game, United managed to flip the script with a last-minute winner! What do you attribute this heroic turnaround to?
Dr. Roberts: Determination, resilience, and seizing opportunities were key. As the match progressed and City began to falter, United sensed vulnerability and capitalized on a crucial mistake from Nunes.That psychological edge in a derby can be monumental. They didn’t just play to win; they played to prove a point.
Sam: As we wrap up, what does this match mean for both teams moving forward in the season?
Dr. Roberts: For United, this victory boosts confidence and momentum that they desperately needed. They showed that they can compete despite adversity, which is vital as they continue through the season. For City, they must regroup and address the defensive issues that were laid bare in this match. The players’ physical and mental resilience will be tested in the coming weeks.
Sam: thanks a lot, Dr. Roberts, for sharing your insights! It’s always enlightening to have a deep dive into such an exhilarating match.
Dr. roberts: my pleasure, Sam! I look forward to more discussions as the season unfolds.
[End of Interview]