Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United: Cityzens' Player Ratings as they throw away win with late collapse | Premier League 2024-25

Manchester United scored a quick-fire double to put Manchester City under further pressure as they earned a 2-1 win in the Premier League on Sunday, December 15.

Pep Guardiola named a highly attacking lineup, with Kyle Walker, Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias the only recognised defenders in the XI. The Cityzens were looking to improve on a run of just one win in their last 10 fixtures across competitions.

On the other hand, the visitors were coming off a come-from-behind victory over Victoria Plzen in the Europa League. They made three changes, with Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia and Marcus Rashford replaced by Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount.

Manchester City were comfortably dominant in the first half but United defended well, with 20 minutes passing by before the hosts' first shot attempt in the game. Gvardiol eventually handed them the lead, heading home a cross from Kevin De Bruyne after 36 minutes.

Manchester United chased an equaliser but were unable to pose any serious questions to Ederson through the second period.

The turning point came with just five minutes to go as Matheus Nunes conceded a needless penalty after a poor back-pass. Bruno Fernandes equalised from the spot in the 88th minute.

City were left shocked two minutes later as Amad Diallo turned home a long ball from Lisandro Martinez to make it 2-1 to the visitors. They pushed late on to find a leveller but were unable to do so, succumbing to another loss.

The result sees Manchester City remain outside the top four, finding themselves fifth and nine points off Liverpool at the top of the table (having played a game more). Here are the player ratings:

Manchester City Player Ratings

Ederson - 6.5/10

A mostly quiet night out for the Brazilian, having to make just one save, but he was unable to do anything about the two late goals.

Kyle Walker - 5.5/10

A decent defensive performance marred by the unsporting yellow card collected for taking a dive after a clash with Rasmus Hojlund in the first half.

Ruben Dias - 6/10

The Portugal international was having a strong game in central defense for Manchester City before he found himself out of position for United's winner.

Josko Gvardiol - 5.5/10

Gvardiol showed his attacking threat, scoring his fourth goal of the Premier League campaign with a great header. However, he could have done much better on the line to prevent Amad Diallo's strike.

Matheus Nunes - 4/10

Playing in a slightly unnatural position, Nunes often found himself in a lot of space but could barely make an impact. He added to his troubles by giving away a needless penalty that sparked the visitors' comeback.

Ilkay Gundogan - 6/10

A largely pedestrian outing from the German midfielder who could not really make a difference.

Bernardo Silva - 6.5/10

Silva had a few lively moments playing down the right, but he was largely kept silent by Diogo Dalot.

Kevin De Bruyne - 5.5/10

De Bruyne did not particularly cover himself in glory in his hour-long cameo. He seemed to lack his usual creative spark and was wasteful with the ball, finishing with just two passes into the final third and no chances created.

Phil Foden - 6/10

Foden struggled to impress and still remains in search of his first Premier League goal of the season.

Jeremy Doku - 5.5/10

He was not a threat with his dribbling down the left flank, failing to create chances.

Erling Haaland - 5/10

Haaland did not get great service throughout the fixture and in his few moments of promise, was dealt with far too easily by Harry Maguire.

Substitutes

Mateo Kovacic - 5.5/10

Came on for De Bruyne to offer more control in the midfield but failed to do so.

Jack Grealish - 6/10

Did not have much of an impact in his short cameo.

Savio - N/A

He came on too late and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.