Play by play: Analysing United's defense in the Manchester Derby

Strike Three – You’re out. The final death knell but there is something to soothe the pain of the loss

Though Aguero’s second goal outlined just how easily City were handling United, it was Samir Nasri’s goal in the 50th minute that ensured that any hope that United would have was to grab a consolation strike. It was Vincent Kompany who made the major contribution as he got into the box and drew the centre backs towards him as Navas outpaced Fellaini to swing in a cross over to Nasri who calmly scored.

Nasri scores the 4th

United though did get that consolation goal and it came from the only player in a red shirt who looked dangerous throughout the game – Wayne Rooney. The transformation of the former disgruntled no. 10 to the attack dog that we get to see these days is extraordinary and he battled against the opposition trying his level best to push the game into City’s half. So when he scored from a free kick to become the derby’s highest scorer (11 goals), it was fitting that the goal was all about him.

The goal from Rooney may have brought some joy on a rather grim Manchester evening for Moyes who saw the blue moon rising for the first time. He still has to get the squad back into shape when they face off against Liverpool on Wednesday in the Capital One Cup.

Rooney grabs his 11th Derby Goal

Moyes will have a monumental task ahead of him but he could do himself and the team some good by benching Young and playing Kagawa instead. The Japanese midfielder showed that he had recovered from his illness in the Champions League tie and it was a shocker not to see him play.

The other task ahead of him is to make that defense click. Smalling is proving to be a liability at the back and both centre backs were found out of position too many times. Whatever Moyes does, he needs to get the team back to its best and quick.

Perhaps he should borrow that hairdryer from Director Alex Ferguson.