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Man United 2-1 Man City: Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford turn the tide in the derby for Erik ten Hag’s side.
On Saturday at Old Trafford, Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-1 thanks to a thrilling late comeback.
After Jack Grealish gave City the lead at the 60-minute mark, United fought back to score twice in quick succession, through Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, to continue their impressive home run, during which they have only suffered one Premier League loss in front of their own supporters this season.
It was expected that City would come out strong after their Carabao Cup loss to Southampton the previous week, but in a cagey first half, it was United who had the better chance.
Throughout the game, the effective Rashford made threats and came close to scoring in minute 34.
When Rashford received a pass over the top of the City defence, the defenders jumped out of their seats in fear. However, as Rashford cut back inside to score, Manuel Akanji stood his ground and made a crucial block off the line.
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Just four minutes later, Rashford had another great chance to break the deadlock. After being found by a Christian Eriksen pass down the left, he raced towards Ederson but a heavy touch meant the City goalkeeper could save at his feet.
The lively but so far fruitless Rashford caused a scare as he went down injured. However, he returned to the pitch two minutes later, looking laboured in his movement.
In spite of City’s seeming lack of effort, they improved in the second half and, through substitute Grealish, took the lead at the 60-minute mark, handing United their first Premier League loss at Old Trafford since September.
Grealish had played only three minutes after replacing Phil Foden when he headed in Kevin De Bruyne’s precise cross for his second league goal of the year.
However, United resisted and quickly mounted a comeback, beginning with Fernandes‘ contentious equalizer 12 minutes from the end.
Rashford was obviously offside when Casemiro’s through ball was intercepted by him, but he let the ball go, allowing Fernandes to break through and score past Ederson. Because of Rashford’s location, the goal was first disallowed, but it was later determined that he didn’t impede the game.
Rashford scored his first goal for United just five minutes later, giving them the lead.
After squandering two excellent first-half opportunities, Rashford found space between United’s thin backline to tuck in a cross from substitute Garnacho, erupting into jubilation at Old Trafford.