At Old Trafford, the “counter-attacking football” strategy of the new coach failed to find any answer against a lackluster Haaland-Silva.
Under Michael Carrick’s guidance, Manchester United seemed transformed. Returning from national duty, Bryan Mbuemo immediately showed the way for the club. By defeating a mediocre Manchester City, the record champions climbed up the league table.
In Saturday’s Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, City dominated possession for most of the match but could not create any real chance to win. United scored twice in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory.
The home side’s two attempts hit the post and crossbar, preventing the margin from growing. Additionally, three other goals were disallowed for offside.
United had endured a difficult spell for a long time. After a series of failures, coach Ruben Amorim lost his job earlier this year. Darren Fletcher, the club’s under-18 coach, temporarily took charge for two games, but the team could not break the cycle of poor results and exited the FA Cup early with a loss to Brighton.
Finally, under Carrick, United secured a win after four matches and three consecutive draws in the league.
With 9 wins and 8 draws in 22 matches, United now have 35 points and sit in fourth place.
Meanwhile, City’s unbeaten run in the league continued, but the last three matches had not been pleasant. Dropping points in three consecutive games put them behind in the title race. This defeat is another major setback. City remain second with 43 points from 22 matches, equal on points with Aston Villa, who have played one fewer game.
Had luck been on United’s side, they could have taken the lead early. In the third minute, Harry Maguire’s header from Bruno Fernandes’ corner hit the crossbar.
Eight minutes later, United defender Diogo Dalot received a yellow card for a dangerous foul on Jeremy Doku. While calls for a red card surfaced, VAR upheld the referee’s decision, sparing the Portuguese fullback.
Although City dominated possession from the start, they struggled to create chances. They could not penetrate United’s box, while United’s counterattacks caused fear.
In the 33rd minute, Amad Diallo sent the ball past the keeper on a counterattack, but he was offside. In the 41st minute, Fernandes also found the net, but he too was flagged offside.
Amid United’s frustrations, City earned a corner in the 36th minute, and Max Aline’s header from it was superbly saved by the keeper.
Twelve minutes into the second half, City’s goalkeeper made a brilliant save, and Casemiro wasted an unbelievable opportunity, striking the ball at the keeper from close range after Diallo’s shot had been parried. Even with chances in front of him, the Brazilian star could not capitalize.
In the 63rd minute, United tested Donnarumma again, but the Italian keeper made a sharp save. Two minutes later, the ball reached United on a fast counter through Fernandes, and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbuemo scored on first contact.
Having played five matches in the African Nations Cup without scoring, Mbuemo broke his drought immediately upon returning to the club. This season, he has scored seven goals in 17 Premier League games.
In the 76th minute, City conceded again. From a fast-moving right-side attack, Mateus Quiya crossed the ball into the six-yard box, and Danish defender Dagu merely deflected it with his right foot, leaving Donnarumma no chance to move.
City had over 65% possession in the match but managed only seven shots, with just one on target. For the remainder of the game, they could not seriously trouble their opponents.
In stoppage time, Mason Mount scored on his first touch after coming on as a substitute, but VAR flagged it for offside, sparing City from a heavier defeat.
Yet the colorless performance may be another source of concern for Guardiola’s side.
