Finally, a Manchester derby worth of the hype. For the first time in years the battle between red and blue in one of football’s most watched cities was explosive.
The Sky Blues dominated the first half, Kevin de Bruyne the most inspired to see off his former coach with a goal and an assist. The first a defensive calamity for United ending with the Belgian giving De Gea the eyes and the second a rebound off the post pounced on by the 19-year-old Nigerian. Miscommunication between Stones and Bravo handed Mourinho’s men a lifeline just moments before half-time and Ibrahimovic expertly finished.
United diverted from their original plans and made a double change for the second forty-five and from there they pressed City hard. The second-half in general was end to end stuff, United threw men forward and City looked to counter. Both teams knackered in the dying moments of the game. Despite their efforts, United failed to get the equaliser.
Advantage Guardiola.
