Manchester City 0-2 Manchester United: 5 hits and flops as Red Devils claim bragging rights in Manchester derby | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Hit: Dean Henderson (Manchester United)

A welcome introduction to the Manchester derby for Dean Henderson (left)

After returning to Manchester United after two extremely successful loan spells at Sheffield United, Dean Henderson has had to bide his time in his quest to become his team's number one goalkeeper.

However, Henderson has impressed in the few chances he has at goal this season. He has recently been handed an extended run in the first team, as David de Gea has taken a break for personal reasons.

With four consecutive clean sheets under his belt going into this crunch tie against Manchester City, the youngster produced a confident outing. Henderson especially impressed with his handling and positioning, which were top-class.

🧤 @DeanHenderson appreciation post 🧤🔴 #MUFC#️⃣ #MCIMUN pic.twitter.com/tUDZu5WB5A

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 7, 2021

Henderson even found the time to show off his excellent vision and distribution. He set Shaw off on the run that eventually resulted in Manchester United’s second goal, courtesy Henderson's pinpoint throw out from the box.

If he is able to maintain this level going forward, he might be able to challenge for the number one keeper's spot for England at the upcoming Euros.

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#4 Flop: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Kevin De Bruyne was far from his devastating best against Manchester United.

It was billed as a clash of the midfield maestros, as Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes went up against each other. But it was Manchester United’s Portuguese talisman who came up trumps, as Manchester City’s Belgian playmaker endured an off night.

So often, the provider for Manchester City going forward, De Bruyne looked off the pace from the start. He gave the ball away cheaply on a number of occasions and failed to make the most of Manchester City’s advantage in possession.

Even though the Belgian slowly got into the game, it was too little too late for Manchester City, as the visitors sat back and comfortably soaked up all the pressure the home side created.

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#5 Hit: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Bruno Fernandes got the ball rolling for Manchester United with an early opener.

Few players have had a transformative effect on a team quite like Bruno Fernandes has had at Manchester United since his move to the club in January 2020. The Portuguese playmaker wasted no time in making an impact against Manchester City, as he dispatched a penalty in just the second minute.

Them: Bruno doesn't do it in the big gamesBruno: pic.twitter.com/VHXcjBSkxH

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 7, 2021

After Manchester United sat back after taking the lead, it was Fernandes who seemed to be at the heart of every United counter-attack as the Portuguese showcased his excellent passing skills to set his fellow attackers off on runs at the Manchester City goal.

However, it wasn’t just in attack that Fernandes made a difference, as he also showed great desire and determination in defence. He tracked back to thwart many a Manchester City attack with well-timed interceptions in a complete display that would endear himself to the club faithful.