The Manchester Derby: Match Review
The Manchester derby, known for its rage and ecstatic games, failed to produce a winner last night. The derby was devoid of any quality or excitement. Neither sides were able to carve out the opportunity amidst the eerie silence of the ‘Theatre of Dreams’. The result left United in seventh place on 20 points with City a point behind in eighth after 11 games.
Match Review:
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| Paul Pogba in Action - what might be his last Manchester Derby |
Man City had created the best chance up to the penalty incident. A Riyad Mahrez shot saved by David De Gea in the 35th minute; Kevin De Bruyne unable to capitalize on the loose ball. United's best chance came in the 54th when Paul Pogba put Rashford in on the left. But the striker slipped as he shot harmlessly wide. Their first effort on goal did not come until a harmless attempt straight at City keeper Ederson from Fernandes in the 88th.
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| "Inches Away" - McTominay attempting a shot |
Solskjaer considered it to be one of the best performances by Manchester United since his appointment. The possession was more or less equally shared by both the Manchester sides, although The Blues were starting to dominate more in the final third of the match. But they weren’t able to convert any chances to goals. Bissaka and Fernandes combined down the right with intricate passing and real speed. Fernandes swept a ball for Rashford to run on to, coax Kyle Walker into a rash penalty and briefly win a penalty. VAR would intervene and show that Rashford was offside. The team passed out from the back but never with the accomplished polish.
Tactics Overview:
Pogba was deployed in a deeper role
The Norwegian set his team up in one of the more
conservative tactical variations. Playing just two strikers; three
defensive midfielders and Bruno Fernandes as the #10. It is a standard ‘Anti-City’ device.
Force them out wide, make them play floaty crosses. This would stop City from
sweeping through the center with incisive passing.
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Pogba was deployed in a deeper role |
The Norwegian set his team up in one of the more conservative tactical variations. Playing just two strikers; three defensive midfielders and Bruno Fernandes as the #10. It is a standard ‘Anti-City’ device. Force them out wide, make them play floaty crosses. This would stop City from sweeping through the center with incisive passing.
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Luke Shaw was back from injury to put in a MOTM performance |
Luke Shaw was fit again with Solskjaer set to return to a four-at-the-back system. Aaron Wan-Bissaka started on the opposite flank as he renews his eye-catching head-to-head with Raheem Sterling. If the job was to ensure that United restricted City and ground out a creditable draw then the structure worked. Even if it was far from thrilling for the fans watching at home.
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| Not sure which of the two would be happier with the result |
Manchester United needed some sort of response after the despair and disappointment of their Champions League exit. That goal was achieved - but it was achieved in a real eyesore of a game. It was only the flimsiest of straws that under-pressure boss Solskjaer and United could clutch at. De Gea was under the microscope after another expensive error in Germany. His City counterpart Ederson had a quiet night. Although the Brazilian did make a few mistakes, we failed to capitalize.
Manchester United are unbeaten against Manchester City in
three games in all competitions (W2 D1). Their best run without defeat against
their derby rivals since March 2016. United have failed to score in three home league games this
season - one more than in the whole of last season. Manchester United visit Sheffield United
on Thursday (20:00 GMT) before hosting Leeds on Sunday (16:30).
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