PLAYER RATINGS: Joao Cancelo was not at his best for Man City
PLAYER RATINGS: Joao Cancelo was nowhere near his recent level for Manchester City but Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a superb game for Man United in smothering Raheem Sterling
- Anthony Martial won Manchester United’s penalty in an encouraging display
- Luke Shaw continued his fine form by scoring United’s second just after half time
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are now unbeaten in 22 Premier League away games
- Manchester City’s winning streak of 21 games over with defeat to their rivals
Manchester United won at the Etihad for the third time in the last four seasons to close the gap on Manchester City to 11 points, and hand them their first defeat in 22 games.
Bruno Fernandes gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side the lead from the spot in just the second minute of the game after Gabriel Jesus fouled Anthony Martial in the box, Luke Shaw doubled United’s lead shortly after half time.
The win did the Red Devils’ hopes of securing a top-four finish a major boost – they’re now eight points clear of fifth-placed Everton and unbeaten in their last 22 Premier League away games.
Sportsmail’s Jack Gaughan cast his eye over the action and provided the ratings for the players and managers.
Luke Shaw celebrates after doubling Manchester United’s lead at the Etihad on Sunday
A disappointing day for Manchester City, their winning streak came to an end after 21 games
Manchester City (4-1-4-1)
Ederson – 6.5
Disappointed not to stop Bruno Fernandes’ early penalty. Later made a huge save from Anthony Martial.
Joao Cancelo – 4
Nowhere near the standards set in recent months. Caught out for United’s second goal after half-time.
John Stones – 6
Strong display initially, turning over the ball across the pitch, but did not enjoy United running at him.
Ruben Dias – 5.5
Unusually shaky when faced up one-on-one. United managed to isolate City’s defenders well on the break.
Man City lost for the first time with Ruben Dias and John Stones as a centre-back partnership
Aleks Zinchenko – 6.5
Rarely put a foot wrong at left back and City’s problems did not originate from his side.
Rodri – 6.5
Appeared to be one of City’s better players and regularly thwarted counters fairly well. Hit the bar at 1-0.
Riyad Mahrez – 6
An afternoon that left supporters wanted more. Plenty of dangerous positions without truly threatening.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6
The Belgian has struggled since returning from injury and did so again. Radar was off but showed glimpses.
Kevin de Bruyne is still working his way back to peak form after a spell on the sidelines
Ilkay Gundogan – 6
Located the correct pockets in the final third but nothing fell for the midfielder as it has done recently.
Raheem Sterling – 4.5
Was not given an inch by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Missed a huge chance inside the six-yard box when moved centrally.
Gabriel Jesus – 4.5
Clumsy tackle in the opening moments for the penalty while attempting to make up for conceding possession.
Gabriel Jesus gave the ball away and then fouled Anthony Martial for Man United’s penalty
Subs:
Kyle Walker (for Cancelo, 65) – 6
Phil Foden (for Jesus, 70) – 6.5
Subs not used:
Steffen, Aguero, Laporte, Silva, Torres, Mendy, Fernandinho
Manager
Pep Guardiola – 6
Picked the sort of team that has been blowing others away. Will be frustrated at City rushing in the final third.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Dean Henderson – 7.5
Solid handling throughout and never flustered. Smart throw out to Luke Shaw prompted the counter for the second goal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 8
Loves the challenge against Sterling and smothered the England winger when he cut inside on his right foot.
Victor Lindelof – 7
Not often that City broke beyond the back four and much of that was down to the central defensive pairing.
Harry Maguire – 7.5
The captain must have a good game in order to win and keep a clean sheet at the Etihad Stadium. Maguire did just that.
Maguire was in fine form against Man City and played a vital role in keeping Jesus quiet
Luke Shaw – 8.5
Terrific running from back to front as he slotted in the second goal. Stood up to Mahrez on United’s left.
Scott McTominay – 8
Screened the back four admirably and tracked the opponent’s attacking runners to help maintain United’s defensive shape.
Fred – 6.5
Similar to McTominay in a defensive sense, although gave away the ball too often in midfield.
Dan James – 6
Not an explosive afternoon, although did do a good job of keeping hold of possession later in the game.
Dan James didn’t impact the game as he has done in recent weeks, but worked had for his side
Bruno Fernandes – 7.5
The Portuguese retained his magnificent penalty record and went against natural instincts to simplify things in midfield.
Marcus Rashford – 7.5
Could have been utilised more often but gave City so many problems when involved on the break.
Anthony Martial – 8
Purposeful drive in the first minute gave United an advantage; Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will want more of that in future.
Martial made an impact by winning the penalty and produced an overall encouraging display
Subs
Mason Greenwood (for Rashford, 73) – 6
Nemanja Matic (for Martial, 88)
Brandon Williams (for Fernandes, 90)
Subs not used: Grant, Bailly, Diallo, Telles, Tuanzebe, Shoretire
Manager
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 7.5
Set United up perfectly to hit City where it would hurt. Stable defensively and included lots of pace.
Referee
Anthony Taylor – 7
Allowed the game to flow where possible and called the majority of decisions without the need for VAR’s intervention.
Share this article
Source: Read Full Article