Manchester United might yet have a say in the destination of the Premier League title. While they would still be deemed outsiders to lift a trophy they last held in 2013, their 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City puts them in the hunt. It remains a hunt that Arsenal have a healthy lead in. The Gunners are five points clear at the top with a game in hand on the second-placed Cityzens. But if City are still considered contenders then surely United, one point behind them and good value for today’s win, are in with a shout too?
The first half was a tactical war of attrition, with both sides setting their stall out early. City operated as the team in possession while United set up to stifle their advancement and counter them. The Red Devils probably did their work the most effectively in a tight opening 45 minutes, with their well-constructed attacks causing headaches for Pep Guardiola’s men.
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City enjoyed the first real chance of the afternoon though. Kevin De Bruyne sat down Tyrell Malacia before Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo linked up. The latter had a cross cleared by Marcus Rashford, but it was a promising, incisive move.
Anthony Martial, Fred and Malacia fashioned a chance at the other end when a City attack fell apart. Bruno Fernandes collected a measured Christian Eriksen pass in the right channel before flashing a shot wide.
Fred’s inclusion had raised a few eyebrows in the build-up, particularly with it necessitating a move out wide for Fernandes. But the Brazil midfielder did an effective job of shackling De Bruyne, doing an able impression of the old spoiling role Ji-Sung Park would play in these parts. One particular tackle on the Belgian drew rapturous cheers and a reworded Joy Division number on the Stretford End.
Much of the talk pre-game was of Erling Haaland vs Marcus Rashford, as each club’s most potent attacking forces faced off. The Norway international’s influence was limited to a shot blocked by Casemiro. Rashford meanwhile had a running feud with Ederson. Twice the England man went one-on-one with the goalkeeper. On the first occasion he rounded Ederson, only for Manuel Akanji to clear the ball off the line. The second time, when Rashford ran to meet a superb Eriksen ball, Ederson snuffed the chance out with a good save.
There were some worried looks exchanged amongst United fans as half time beckoned. Rashford pulled up with a hip complaint as he chased Akanji in one of those injurious moments that looks almost lethally innocuous. Rashford carried out his duties for the remainder of the half, but there must have been real fear his current purple patch was about to be cut short.
What a time to bag his second of the season! 🎯
There was an attacking change at half time but it was Martial who made way for Antony. This mid-point change of emphasis up front may involve Wout Weghorst in the coming weeks, but the striker’s loan from Burnley was not ratified in time for him to be available today.
United saw a penalty shout waved away as Casemiro was brought down on the edge of the box rather than inside it, which they contended. Raphael Varane went close as the ref waved play on, but his own effort would have been ruled out for offside.
Guardiola moved his chess pieces around the board, bringing on Jack Grealish for a subdued Phil Foden. His impact was almost instant. The former Aston Villa winger nodded home a De Bruyne cross as United were simply too passive. Riyad Mahrez had been given too much space to find the Belgian midfielder and De Bruyne rarely fluffs his lines when it comes to providing assists.
It was Erik ten Hag’s turn to try and turn the tie on a substitution. Eriksen made way for wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine had two United goals to his name, winning goals against Real Sociedad and Fulham. Now his Dutch manager turned to him to repeat the trick against the Cityzens.
United did have the ball in the net. A smart pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka found Casemiro. The Brazilian split City in half with a through-ball. Rashford was offside but did not touch the ball. The ball ran on to Fernandes who slammed it home. There was an offside flag initially but it was deemed Rashford had not interfered with play. The City players surrounded the referee but their remonstrations were for nought. United were level.
The one-two punch was complete when Garnacho squared to Rashford who was never going to miss. The proximity, his current form and the confidence with which he is playing made sure of that. A stroked finish from close-range turned this game on its head. Suddenly, United were in the lead.
This team still feels a little bit removed from the title. While they have been in exceptional form, they remain six points off the pace with the total set to hit nine if Arsenal can beat Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow. But the fact Ten Hag’s men are a genuine part of the title conversation is progress indeed. Keep delivering performances like this and that conversation may end with them holding the trophy one day.
