When bidding farewell to Sir Bobby Charlton, Manchester United suffered a bitter defeat at home to Old Trafford. In the 0:3 in the derby against ManCity, the Red Devils were almost without a chance.
The first Manchester derby since last season’s FA Cup final, which ManCity won 2-1, featured one name: Sir Bobby Charlton. The English icon and Manchester United club legend had passed away just over a week before the clash and took center stage in his Red Devils’ first home game since his passing. The two Manchester teams held a ceremony to commemorate the 1966 World Cup winner, who united the city in its soccer craze beyond the rivalry.
Maguire on the line – Haaland from the spot
On the pitch, the Skyblues had a bit more of the ball, but allowed themselves some unusual mistakes especially in the opening minutes. However, the Red Devils, lurking for switching moments, did not take advantage of them. Instead, Pep Guardiola, who had changed half of his starting eleven after the 3-1 defeat at Young Boys Bern in the top flight, saw his charges almost take the lead. However, Onana saved first from Foden and then also from Haaland before Maguire cleared the ball off the line (8th).
A good quarter of an hour later, the Red Devils’ keeper was beaten. Haaland charged down the Cameroonian from the spot (26th) after VAR referee Paul Tierney had called attention to a hold by Höjlund on Rodri. A mistake that the Dane almost made up for a little later. However, he stumbled at the crucial moment and could only lay on for Bruno Fernandes, who missed (31st).
Haaland brace at second attempt
In the injury time of the first half, things got really wild. First, United were close to an equalizer, but McTominay failed to score against Ederson (45.+1), then Haaland missed the best chance to score a brace. He nodded Bernardo Silva’s fine lob from close range too centrally on the box and failed to beat the superbly reacting Onana, who kept the score at 0:1 for the home side (45.+5).
After the break, Erik ten Hag, who had made three changes to the Red Devils’ starting eleven compared to the 1-0 defeat to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, brought on Mount for Amrabat. However, Haaland once again provided the action. The bursting forward gave Onana no chance in an identical situation to before the break and bagged a brace at the second attempt (49th), which was followed by another effort from Grealish (57th).
Foden to decide
The Citizens now dominated the action at will and dictated the game in command, but without forcing the third goal with any vigor. Only after Rashford missed the connection out of nowhere by centimeters (69.), the guests pulled again and promptly brought Haaland on track, against whom Onana in a private duel made it 2:2 (71.).
Once, however, the goalkeeper still had to get the ball out of the net. After Haaland’s cross, Foden only had to hold his foot out to seal the 3-0 final score (80.).
Manchester United will face Newcastle United at home in the League Cup on Wednesday (21:15). Manchester City failed to beat the Magpies in that competition and will therefore not be challenged again until next weekend. The triple winners will then host Bournemouth (Saturday, 4 p.m.).
