The Manchester derby has just ended at Old Trafford, and it’s the red side of the city that have the bragging rights.
With city pride and vital points available in the battle for the title and a place in Europe, Man United were able to claim all three points.
Their victory came thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, after Jack Grealish put the visitors ahead.
Slow Start
The first half was a slow affair from both sides. Both teams spent the first 45 minutes working each other out with minimal chances throughout.
As the first half drew to a close, Rashford went down and appeared in some pain. The in-form man was able to carry on through to half-time and thankfully came out in the second half.
Impact Sub
City grew quickly into the second half and looked the most likely to score.
Phil Foden was replaced by Jack Grealish and Grealish made an instant impact. Kevin De Bruyne stepped past his man and stood a great ball up to the back post. Coming in was Grealish who headed the ball into the net.
DE BRUYNE TO GREALISH GOAL INJECT IThttps://t.co/eWlyQbtFc0
— 17 (@DxBruyneSZN) January 14, 2023
Turning The Game On Its Head
It looked like City would step up a gear after the goal and go on to claim the three points. Rashford and co had other ideas.
Man United’s first goal will be debated over the next few days due to the offside factor, but VAR decided Rashford wasn’t interfering with play.
Rashford was put through but was clearly offside yet ran towards the ball. However, Rashford never touched the ball and Bruno was the one to slot home. After some disputes by both sides, VAR decided the goal should be given. 1-1, game on.
Bruno Fernandes causes scenes at Old Trafford! 💥
His goal is ruled onside after the linesman initially put his flag up! ✅ pic.twitter.com/AJDIGH2Be5
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 14, 2023
FYI, the offside in Bruno's goal wasn't determined by whether Rashford was "interfering with play" or not. The rule is that Rashford only becomes active in that situation if he *plays the ball or makes an attempt to play the ball*.
He did neither.
VAR was right.
— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) January 14, 2023
Alejandro Garnacho was introduced in the second half, and he fantastically set up Rashford who slotted home what would be the winner.
Rashford goal (2-1) #mufc https://t.co/XkKyzSZRzO
— United Goals ⚽️ (@UnitedGoals__) January 14, 2023
Are Man United Title Contenders?
If people are talking about City being a title contender, then Man United are certainly one as well. They’re just one point off their rivals and six points off league leaders Arsenal, who have a game in hand.
Under Erik tan Hag, Man United are looking like they’re a team with real potential. The Dutch manager is doing something that recent managers have failed to do, get the best out of Rashford.
Marcus Rashford so far this season:
👕 26 appearances
⚽ 16 goals
🅰️ 6 assistsForm of his life. 💥 pic.twitter.com/ABEEJEbusL
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 14, 2023
It looks like Manchester will have two teams competing for the title this season.
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