Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United: Hits & Flops from the game

Hit: Fernandinho

Underrated, yet crucial

To be honest, it was a tossup between Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho for this final spot. However, the Brazilian’s impact was arguably better and more than Aguero if the whole game is taken into perspective.

Though the Argentine scored a thunderous goal, it was Fernandinho who kept things clean despite resorting to the much-criticized tactical fouls on some occasions. The defensive midfielder kept things compact at the heart of the midfield for City as he initiated many passing moves through his ability to pick David Silva on the move.

Fernandinho cut out the passing lanes for United and intercepted any possible ball that could have led to a promising attacking scenario for Mourinho’s team. He was agile, quick and tenacious at the base of the midfield and ensured that the visitors were pushed behind whenever they looked to outrun City’s backline.

Fernandinho was the vital cog who perfectly contributed in both offensive and defensive scenarios. He acted as a screener for the John Stones and Aymeric Laporte by clearing, blocking, intercepting or tackling according to the needs of the situation.

Moreover, he also played the first pass by either incisively finding his man through the centre or spraying the ball out wide to bring the wingers or the fullbacks into play. His performance was the one that kept City balanced on both the fronts and reduced United’s impact going forward too.