Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United: 5 Talking points & Tactical Analysis

#3 Aaron Wan-Bissaka leads a dogged defensive display

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was brilliant against City

On the 9th of February, Manchester United travelled to Craven Cottage and emerged with their rear-guard completely intact. The Red Devils ran out 3-0 winners as the ‘Ole’s at the wheel’ bandwagon generated a head of steam. Since then though, they’ve failed to distinguish themselves defensively, meaning that they haven’t kept a clean sheet.

And, though that trend continued at the Etihad, they certainly put in a dogged defensive display to ensure that they came away with all three points firmly tucked in their bag.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof were colossal at the heart of the defence, although the latter endured a few patchy moments with the ball at his feet. Apart from that, the pair expertly snuffed out the danger City posed as they held their line and influenced the hosts to try something extravagant.

In midfield, Fred and McTominay were superlative as they covered every blade of grass at the Etihad. They tracked their runners diligently and also functioned as auxiliary centre-backs when the situation demanded.

However, the most impressive performance was turned in by Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back. Despite enjoying his first rendition of the Manchester Derby, the Englishman looked calm and confident against Raheem Sterling. The defender kept his countryman at bay for large stretches of the game and even popped up in central areas to effect clearances.

Moreover, he rarely allowed Sterling and Angelino to get goal-side, thereby forcing them to come in-field and work the ball through the centre, an area United had compressed considerably.

Ever since Solskjaer has been appointed, the Red Devils have, at times, dreamt of returning to the summit of English football, courtesy the attacking brand of football the Norwegian has preached, off-the field.

However, rather funnily, United’s stunning defensive performance at the Etihad could be the moment Ole’s wheel takes a turn for the better. And, inevitably, courtesy that showing, they ensured that the Manchester red overshadowed the blue on the most red-letter footballing day in the city.