The 198th Manchester derby ended with a strong statement from Manchester United and a painful reality check for Manchester City. At Old Trafford, United won 2-0 and showed more hunger, more control, and more belief. For City, this defeat meant losing more ground in the Premier League title race, while Arsenal now have the chance to go nine points clear if they beat Nottingham Forest.
From the first minutes, the tone of the match was clear. Manchester United looked sharper, faster, and more aggressive. City struggled to settle and were lucky not to fall behind early. United even had two goals disallowed before the break, warning Pep Guardiola’s side that danger was coming.
Manchester City started the game poorly and never truly recovered. Antoine Semenyo kept his place in the starting eleven after scoring in his first two starts, but this time he could not repeat his magic. City’s build-up play was slow, and their passing lacked accuracy and confidence.
Pep Guardiola reacted at half-time by making two substitutions, showing his frustration with the first-half display. However, the changes did not bring the response City needed. United continued to press high and control the midfield, forcing mistakes and winning second balls.
The breakthrough finally came in the 65th minute. Bryan Mbeumo found space and finished well to give Manchester United a deserved lead. The Old Trafford crowd erupted, sensing that this could be a special afternoon.
City’s reaction after conceding was disappointing. Instead of pushing forward with urgency, they looked confused and fragile. Patrick Dorgu punished them again by doubling United’s lead, sealing a famous derby win and leaving City with too much to think about.
Despite the scoreline, Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of City’s better performers. He made several excellent saves throughout the match and kept the defeat to 2-0. Without him, the result could have been much worse for the visitors.
Donnarumma earned a strong rating of 8/10 for his efforts. He had City to thank late on, producing key saves that stopped United from running away with the game. His performance stood in sharp contrast to some of his teammates.
Rico Lewis tried to connect City’s play and keep things ticking, but it simply did not work. He was caught sleeping for the second goal and struggled defensively, ending the game with a 5/10 rating.
Khusanov was City’s best defender by a clear distance. He read the game well, used his physical strength, and made several important tackles. In a difficult afternoon for City’s back line, his 7/10 rating felt deserved.
Max Alleyne looked short of confidence and misplaced several passes. His struggles summed up City’s problems, and he was substituted at half-time after a shaky display rated at 5/10.
Nathan Ake did enough to avoid being beaten too often and later partnered Khusanov in defense. He was solid without being outstanding and finished with a 6/10 rating.
Rodri had a nightmare by his high standards. He nearly gifted United a goal in the first half with a poor pass near his own box and found it harder as the game went on. His 4/10 rating reflected a rare off day for one of City’s most important players.
Bernardo Silva worked hard but could not control the game the way City needed. In a match where possession and calm were essential, his influence was limited, earning him a 5/10.
Phil Foden struggled to link up with Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland. While it was a surprise to see him substituted at half-time, his impact was minimal, and a 5/10 felt fair.
Antoine Semenyo could not continue his scoring run, but there were small flashes of his talent. He showed moments of promise even in a struggling team and received a 6/10.
Jeremy Doku started brightly and quickly got Diogo Dalot booked with his direct running. However, his influence faded fast and never returned, leading to a 5/10 rating.
Erling Haaland was kept quiet by United’s defenders. He barely touched the ball, and when he did, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire were ready. It was a frustrating day for the striker, rated 5/10.
City’s substitutes failed to change the game. Rayan Cherki tried hard but his poor set-piece led to the opening goal. Nico O’Reilly struggled with awareness and was beaten too easily for the second goal. Late substitutes like Mukasa, Reijnders, and Ait-Nouri had no time to make an impact.
While City suffered, Manchester United enjoyed one of their best performances of the season. This was also a special moment for Michael Carrick, who tasted victory in his first game back as United head coach. His team looked organized, confident, and fearless.
Senne Lammens had a solid game in goal for United. Despite a small mistake early on, he recovered well and made important saves, finishing with a 7/10 rating.
Diogo Dalot had a mixed start but grew into the game. After an early booking and a poor pass, he regained focus and played his part well, earning a 6/10.
Harry Maguire delivered a powerful defensive display. He should have scored early on but made up for it with excellent work against Haaland. His front-foot defending earned him an impressive 8/10.
Lisandro Martinez was calm and intelligent at the back. His sliding block on Haaland early in the second half was crucial, and he read the game brilliantly, finishing with a 7/10.
Luke Shaw handled Semenyo well and showed experience and discipline. Despite an early booking, he remained composed and effective, earning a 7/10.
Casemiro was outstanding in midfield. He broke up play, made vital tackles, and controlled the tempo. His recovery tackle on Haaland was a highlight, and his 9/10 rating reflected a dominant performance.
Kobbie Mainoo showed flashes of real quality with his movement and confidence on the ball. Although he made one careless pass, he impressed overall and earned a 7/10.
Amad was a constant threat on the wing. He caused problems all game, hit the post late on, and forced bookings with his direct play. His energy and skill earned him an 8/10.
Bruno Fernandes was at his creative best. He was unlucky with an offside decision and delivered perfect passes, including the assist for the goal. His influence was clear, earning him an 8/10.
Patrick Dorgu was a surprise starter but made a huge impact. Sharp, alert, and confident, he scored the second goal and looked dangerous throughout, finishing with an 8/10.
Bryan Mbeumo led the line brilliantly. His movement, work rate, and clinical finishing made the difference. He deserved his goal and his 8/10 rating.
United’s substitutes also contributed positively. Matheus Cunha made an impact at both ends, Mason Mount thought he had scored late on, and Manuel Ugarte helped close out the game.
In the end, this was a complete and deserved victory for Manchester United. For Manchester City, it was a worrying display that raises serious questions in the title race. The Manchester derby once again delivered drama, surprise, and a clear message: United are back, and City have work to do.
