Manchester United grabbed all three points at the Etihad after overcoming their Sky Blue neighbours in a 1-0 derby victory.
A well taken Marcus Rashford goal was enough to see off the Manchester City, who pressed until the very end but could not find a way past the Red Devils. The loss was a fourth in the last six league games for the Citizens, with only Crystal Palace and Aston Villa having a worse record during that period.
United bounced back from the disappointing defeat to West Brom last week and the three points puts them only within a point of their ‘noisy neighbours’ in fourth place.
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Manchester City
Joe Hart – 5: England’s No.1 lasted less than 50 minutes on the pitch after being forced off through injury. He could do nothing to stop Rashford’s perfect finish, but otherwise had little to do.
Bacary Sagna – 5: Did his best to support Navas in attack, but let Martial get the better of him on more than a few occasions.
Martin Demichelis – 2: The Argentine centre-back has been among the league’s worst defenders this season and his performance in the derby proved that. Rashford gave him a torrid time throughout the game and made him look like an amateur in the lead up to the goal. He should have given away a penalty and his loose pass forced Hart to commit to a challenge which resulted in his injury. He was finally taken off after 50 minutes to prevent further embarrassment.
Eliaquim Mangala – 5: Did decently well on his return to the side but struggled to deal with United’s pace and passing around the box.
Gael Clichy –6: Was City’s best defender on the day, but did little to get forward and use his pace.
Yaya Toure –5: The Ivorian struggled in the deep-lying position before Fernando came on and allowed him to move forward. Had moments of brilliance, but overall a disappointing outing for Toure.
Fernandinho –6.5: Arguably City’s best player in the derby. Held the midfield well before being moved to centre-back for the final moments, in place of Demichelis. Did a much better job in defence than the Argentine.
Jesus Navas –5: Was heavily involved in the game as he saw a lot of the ball. Although, he did not make much use of it and failed to find that killer pass.
David Silva – 6: The Spaniard came to life in the second-half when City were pushing forward and managed to pick out some excellent passes, but to no avail for the side.
Raheem Sterling – 5: Lasted just over 25 minutes before being forced off through injury. Did not get too involved in the game during his short time on the pitch.
Sergio Aguero – 6.5: Full marks for effort but the star striker was left frustrated by a strong United defence. He nearly scored after his header came out of the upright in the second-half.
Substitutes
Fernando – 6.5: Replaced the injured Sterling in the first-half and did a much better job at stabilising City’s midfield.
Willy Caballero – 6: Came on for Hart and made a couple of good saves to prevent United from extending their lead.
Wilfried Bony – 5: Took over from the horrendous Demichelis and did well to hold the ball up on numerous occasions, but is still a shadow of the striker he was at Swansea.
Manchester United
David De Gea – 6: The otherwise busy De Gea was barely tested by City, but he did well whenever called upon.
Matteo Darmian – 6.5: Did well to deal with any threat down the right-hand side but was moved to left-back after Marcos Rojo came off and evidently struggled before being taken off.
Chris Smalling– 8: United’s best performer on the day. He sniffed out any danger in the box and frustrated the City attackers by putting in a fine defensive display.
Daley Blind – 7: A solid defensive display from the Dutchman, who was not shy to join in any counter-attacks.
Marcos Rojo – 6: Had to deal with Navas throughout his time on the pitch. Still not 100% match fit and was taken off in the second-half.
Michael Carrick – 7: Sat back deep in midfield and was quick to eliminate any threats that City started. Had a few shaky moments in the first-half but was rock solid in the latter stages.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 6: Marked Toure for most part of the game and did a very good job.
Jesse Lingard – 6: The youngster started off well but was forced to help out at the back as City progressed further up the pitch in the second-half.
Juan Mata–7: Provided the assist for Rashford’s goal and stuck to his task for the remainder of the game by putting in a disciplined performance.
Anthony Martial –7.5: Gave Sagna a tough time down the flank and had a fair go at the City goal. Got past the opposition defenders rather easily at times.
Marcus Rashford – 8: The youngster continues to impress up front for United. Made a mockery of Demichelis and should have won a penalty towards the end of the first-half after another clumsy challenge by the defender. Took his goal extremely well and now has five in only eight appearances.
Substitutes
Antonio Valencia – 5: Replaced Rojo in the second half and struggled on a few occasions to deal with City’s attacking threat. Nearly got caught out in attack that almost resulted in an equaliser.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 6: Came on for the final 20 minutes or so and did what was asked from him. The 31-year-old will be keen to feature in the starting lineup soon.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah – N/A: Came on late in the game to replace Darmian.
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