Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United: 5 talking points

Manchester United breathed fresh air into their top four challenge as they overcame neighbours Manchester City thanks to Marcus Rashford’s 16th-minute strike. The goal made Rashford the youngest ever scorer in Manchester derbies in the Premier League era. The 18-year-old reduced Argentine defender Martin Demichelis – nearly twice his age – to an embarrassing position as he easily dribbled past him and sent him to the floor. He finished the move with a cool low strike past Joe Hart to give Louis van Gaal’s side the all-important breakthrough.City kept surging forward and created a host of chances, but were denied by United’s professionalism at the back and could not find that equaliser. The defeat is City’s fifth in the league at home and ninth all season. The result also means that Manchester United (sixth, 50 points) are just a solitary point off their ‘noisy neighbours’ in fourth (51 points) with eight league games of the season to go. Here are the five major talking points that shaped up a game high on drama:

#1 Blind vs Aguero gets fiery

Sergio Aguero Daley Blind — Aguero and Blind had a great tussle in the game

The end of the first half saw a heated exchange between Sergio Aguero and Daley Blind, with the duo clashing robustly on three occasions. A typical derby duel. It was Aguero at fault first, as he kicked into Blind’s shins while both went for the ball.

The subsequent two meetings saw Blind first get his foot into Aguero trying to win the ball. A minute later, he swiped at Aguero’s legs near the corner flag, resulting in a free-kick – from which City came close to equalising, but Yaya Toure scuffed his shot.

None of the clashes resulted in any punishment from referee Michael Oliver, but it was a treat for fans to see a derby played to its hype. In the end, it was Blind who frustrated Aguero by keeping up with his pace and not allowing him to wrap his foot sufficiently to get a decent shot away.

#2 Should Rashford have had a penalty?

Some brilliant link-up play between Marcos Rojo, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford in first-half stoppage time resulted in Rashford running the byline. His lightning pace was too much for Martin Demichelis, who appeared to unfairly stop Rashford after being comprehensively beaten.

Michael Oliver didn’t think there was enough contact and waved away fervent appeals from the Red Devils. Replays showed that Rashford was on his way after skipping past the ex-Bayern Munich defender and should have won the penalty. The dispute resulted in a derby like clash between players from both sides over the validity of the decision.

#3 Martin Demichelis has a shocker

City went into this game without their first-choice centre-backs in Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi. That meant that Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala were handed starting places.

United sensed their opportunity against the 35-year-old Argentine Demichelis and took full advantage after 15 minutes when Rashford easily dribbled past him and found himself one-on-one with Joe Hart. No mistake after that.

He was lucky not to concede a penalty right at the end of the first half when he appeared to pull Marcus Rashford down after being beaten.

Demichelis was once again the centre of the fans’ wrath as his back pass to Hart didn’t have the required pace. As England’s numero uno keeper went to clear, Anthony Martial – who nearly intercepted the pass – saw his follow-through from the shot smash Joe Hart on his calf. As a result, he was forced off injured and was replaced by Demichelis’ countryman Willy Caballero.

Shortly after that, Demichelis yet again misplaced a pass in a dangerous position – allowing United to charge forward. Luckily, the threat was dealt with. Pellegrini had seen enough and quickly took Demichelis off for Wilfried Bony.

It was a performance that suggested that Demichelis may not just be heading out of City when Pep Guardiola arrives next season, but his future as a professional player after that shocking performance could also be cast in doubt.

#4 Michael Carrick\'s work-rate lifts United

In a derby, the performance of a captain pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the side. United skipper Michael Carrick’s work-ethic – both in defence and in the opposition half – was a reflection of his side’s character throughout the 90 minutes.

When off the ball, he played as a third centre-back to forbid any extra space for David Silva and Sergio Aguero to deal with. Once United regained possession, he got himself involved as well, completing some good passes to set his side on their way.

His last-ditch interception to read a Wilfried Bony shot (which would have definitely gone in) from a Yaya Toure pass was a high point in an immense performance from the 34-year-old. If United are to finish in the top four, they will have to take some inspiration from the veteran Carrick and leave everything on the pitch to earn positive results.

#5 Michael Oliver\'s leniency saves Chris Smalling

When Sergio Aguero turned to set himself on a goal-bound charge in the 78th minute, he was hauled down by Chris Smalling. The centre-back – already on a booking – should have been sent for an early shower for stopping a potential City attack.

Referee Michael Oliver, however, saw things differently and decided to keep his cards in his pocket. A 10-man Manchester United side might well have altered the eventual scoreline as they were getting pushed deeper and deeper in their own half to protect that lead.

Oliver did not have a good game but United should count themselves lucky for not going down to 10-men.

Edited by Staff Editor