“He’s a bit horrible” - Troy Deeney highlights derby performance from Manchester United star that only his teammates will appreciate 

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has drawn attention to Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte's performance against Manchester City last weekend. The Englishman believes Ugarte was responsible for his side's comeback victory.

The Red Devils traveled to the Etihad on Sunday (December 15) to face a struggling Manchester City side. Pep Guardiola's men had suffered seven defeats in their previous ten games before the Manchester derby.

Josko Gvardiol's header put City 1-0 up in the first period and Manchester United struggled to find the equalizer for most of the second half. However, an awful error from Matheus Nunes saw him bring down Amad Diallo in the box, gifting the Red Devils a penalty in the 88th minute, which Bruno Fernandes converted.

Diallo then got on the scoresheet himself as he scored the match-winner two minutes later, courtesy of Lisandro Martinez's assist.

While the Ivorian winger took the spotlight for his game-changing display, Deeney believes Ugarte deserves his credit for an excellent performance. He picked the midfielder in his BBC Team of the Week and said:

“He has really, really surprised me. I know it’s still early days under the new manager, but Ugarte has a bit of bite about him. He’s a bit horrible and even at 1-0 down, he was making important tackles, blocks and getting attacks started."

"I thought he was the catalyst as to why they went on to win. I thought if it wasn’t for him they wouldn’t actually be in the game. An underrated performance that only his teammates will appreciate.”

Manchester United will next face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Thursday night (December 19).

Troy Deeney picks another Manchester United star who 'is a no-brainer' in Team of the Week

Troy Deeney has picked Amad Diallo as well in his BBC Team of the Week. The former Watford striker lauded Diallo for his display against Manchester City, insisting he's on an upward curve. He said:

"It's been really difficult to pick the forwards this week but Amad Diallo is the only one who is a no-brainer. He was excellent, flipped the Manchester derby on its head. As a young man, he just seems to be growing better and better."

Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were omitted from the squad to face Manchester City, which certainly left many stunned and pondering whether they had injury problems.

However, Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim clarified that it was purely a tactical decision. Deeney praised Diallo for focusing on his game despite the commotion surrounding Rashford and Garnacho. He added:

"All that noise around Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, Diallo just seems to be going about his business and delivering on a regular basis, and that's what it's all about."

United will return to Premier League action when they host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday (December 22).