On the 46th night since Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho last met in their first Manchester derby, Manchester United ran out 1-0 victors against their fierce rivals in the 4th round of the EFL Cup.
Guardiola made nine changes from the draw against Southampton on Sunday while Mourinho refused to rest his big guns. The first-half was probably one of the worst 45minutes of football you’ll ever see in a game filled with such expected talent.
The home side came out firing in the second though and Juan Mata’s opener gave them their just rewards. It was weak defending from centre-back duo Nicolas Otamendi and Aleksander Kolarov to allow Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mata to combine in the City box.
Guardiola brought on Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero in search of an equalizing goal – but in reality, City never came close. In fact, the sky blues were so toothless in attack they failed to register a single shot on David de Gea’s goal.
It’s now six games since Guardiola has celebrated a competitive win – the longest in his managerial career. Despite this, there were positives in City’s pair of young stars, Pablo Maffeo and Aleix Garcia. As much as some would like you to believe, City are in no crisis mode.
Here’s tonight’s player ratings.
Willy Caballero - 7/10
Although only tested twice, with one of them going in, Caballero couldn’t be put at fault for the goal and his save onto the post to deny Paul Pogba was exceptional.
Pablo Maffeo - 8/10
Superb display from the young Spaniard at right-back. United threw everything at him, from aerial duels with Ibrahimovic to foot-races with Marcus Rashford – Maffeo dealt with it all.
Nicolas Otamendi - 5/10
Much more assured next to VK in the first-half but his clumsy performance later on was worrying. Gave away needless fouls. Dove in too often.
Vincent Kompany - 6/10
Seemingly only planned for a 45minute run out in tonight’s derby. I thought the captain defending well and it’s nice to see his fitness being monitored in truth. Although he will need to sharpen up his passing game to get back into the starting XI.
Gael Clichy -6/10
Very uninspiring in an attacking sense but wasn’t put under too much bother at the back.
Fernando - 7/10
One of the stand out players in the first-half, Fernando passed well and got stuck in. The Brazilian is often taken for granted by City fans but tonight I think he can hold his head high.
Aleix Garcia - 8/10
My pick of the bunch tonight. Guardiola gave the young kid a chance and he stood up to be counted. Looked as comfortable as any first-team player and controlled the City tempo. One of few positives to take from a derby defeat.
Nolito - 5/10
Off the pace a little. Couldn’t link up with any of the attackers. Overall, a poor performance from Pep’s trusty Spanish winger.
Jesus Navas - 7/10
Surprisingly exciting in the first-half, Navas had the beating of Luke Shaw and put in some really dangerous crosses. Faded as the game got on when the United fullback looked to have had him figured out.
Leroy Sane - 5/10
Let City down and was part of the reason as to why we looked so toothless in attack. United gifted him chances to counter them with his pace but his passing and touch were both off.
Kelechi Iheanacho - 5/10
Similar story to that of Sane’s, if not more of a let down. Should have played Nolito in for an easy chance at goal and had opportunities of his own to shoot on United’s goal but the Nigerian had an off night.
Substitutes
Aleksander Kolarov – The worst half of football from an individual I’ve seen all season. Static for the United goal and careless in possession.
2/10
Raheem Sterling – Failed to stamp his authority in a lackluster attack. Was maybe unfortunate to not have been given a single free-kick for his efforts though.