"Has to be a double agent", "This guy reeks" - Fans slam Manchester City star for his errors in loss to Manchester United

Fans took to X to slam midfielder Matheus Nunes for his performance in Manchester City’s 1-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, December 15. Nunes had a game to forget as he was the culprit in City’s collapse at the Etihad Stadium.

Having won only one of the last 11 games across competitions, Manchester City started the game by dictating proceedings. However, they couldn’t pose any real threat to Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana. Meanwhile, they kept cranking up the pressure and finally found joy in the 36th minute.

Josko Gvardiol gave Manchester City the lead with a towering header from a Kevin de Bruyne-deflected cross. However, Manchester United came out strongly in the second half, replicating what the hosts did to them in the first 45 minutes (no shot on goal).

The Red Devils had their fair share of chances, which they couldn’t convert in the second half. However, Matheus Nunes gave the visitors a lifeline by conceding a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Amad Diallo. Bruno Fernandes equalized from the spot by sending Ederson the wrong way (88’).

Amad turned the game on its head in the 90th minute as he capitalized on poor defending to win it for Manchester United and pile more misery on the reigning Premier League champions. Ruben Amorim’s men saw out the added time to claim a famous 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Matheus Nunes, however, made two notable errors in the match. Firstly, he made a terrible back pass, which was seized upon by Amad Diallo. The danger seemed averted as Ederson’s good sweeping put the United man in an uncomfortable scoring position. However, while trying to make amends for the misplaced pass, he made a rash decision and brought down Amad in the 18-yard area to concede a penalty.

After the match, fans were critical of the Manchester City midfielder's performance and took to X to berate him.

''Matheus Nunes has to be a double agent. I don’t understand any of the decisions he made to give away that penalty.'' An X user wrote

Another tweeted:

''No wonder Pep kept Matheus Nunes in jail for so long. This guy REEKS''

''Ruben Amorim really changed the game for Manchester United with his super-sub Matheus Nunes.'' @CfcMojojojo quipped

''I hope Matheus Nunes never plays for this club again. Absolute shitter.'' @MCFC__DK wrote

''That’s so dumb from nunes. Amad wasn’t doing anything from there'' @Ba11Talk added

''Amad Diallo making something out of NOTHING Nunes such a bozo for that!'' @FuadCadani wrote

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola leapt to the defense of Matheus Nunes after errors in 2-1 defeat to Manchester United

While fans criticized Matheus Nunes for his errors in Sunday's Manchester derby, manager Pep Guardiola refused to blame him for their loss. The Spaniard manager said the error was a collective one and that Nunes played well in his position, although not as a fullback.

Matheus Nunes was tasked with the responsibility of playing as a wide midfielder and a full-back against United. However, he made some errors that cost his side the game. The Manchester City boss spoke to BBC Match of the Day after the match.

"Not much to say. No defence, they were incredibly persistent. We have not lost eight games in two seasons. We can't defend that. It's not about this or that player. We gave away goals, our fault. We don't play with composure. The results are not good, the game was not exceptional. I know the situation, I understand but the reality is this.''

"They have to know that these situations happen. In the box you have to be careful. It's not about Matheus [Nunes], he played really good in not his position at full-back. But it's not about that, we have to play better. The result will help us to take our best but right now we don't have it. The way I learn is to keep going.I am not good enough. I am the boss, the manager, I have to find solutions and so far I haven't. That's the reality. We want to play better, create chances. But at the moment it's not possible."

Manchester City will next be in action against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, December 21.