The thrill of Marcus Rashford’s stunning opener after 8 minutes led us to believe we were on the cusp of a magnificent victory at the Etihad Stadium, but the Reds couldn’t keep Manchester City out in the second half and we proved to be second best as many expected.
Despite conceding three goals, Andre Onana had a decent game in front of a defence that as a whole worked hard as a unit.
But Erik ten Hag did not have the quality on the pitch, or squad depth, to match Pep Guardiola’s City as the Reds fell to a 3-1 defeat to slip 11 points behind fourth-place Aston Villa.
Some players, such as Casemiro and Jonny Evans, were unable to sustain a 90-minute performance against a team of City’s quality.
There’s a few who are simply not good enough.
Credit to Bruno Fernandes and Onana for leading the acknowledgements to the away end at full-time.
With Aston Villa and Tottenham winning over the weekend, it is clear that United have a huge job on their hands to catch-up in the race for a top four finish.
Ten Hag will be hoping that the Premier League is given five places for next season’s extended Champions League.
Sunday’s result won’t do him any favours in terms of job security.
Match stats: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
- First time Man City have ever come from behind to beat United in the Premier League.
- It was the first time since September 2014 that the Reds lost a league match in which they led at half-time.
- 12th time City fell behind in the league this season.
- The 6th time City have completed a league double over United.
- United’s 11th league defeat of the season.
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