Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Recap and highlights (Video)
Manchester City narrowly defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford Saturday morning. Here are the highlights of the match.
Manchester City dominated the first half of the Manchester derby, taking the lead after Kevin de Bruyne capitalized on an Eric Bailly mistake to finish comfortably past David de Gea.
When you execute a play to perfection @ManCity #ManchesterDerby https://t.co/qYeFTG2KlP
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 10, 2016
It wasn’t the sort of slick passing move we’ve come to expect from Pep Guardiola’s teams, but it was a deserved goal after the Citizens dominated the opening 15 minutes. They doubled their lead shortly after, thanks to another piece of luck. De Bruyne’s shot deflected off the post straight to Kelechi Iheanacho, starting in place of the suspended Sergio Aguero, who tapped it in.
City looked like they may run away with it, as de Bruyne dominated midfield and United’s central midfield tandem of Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba struggled to establish any sort of possession for the home side. But new City keeper Claudio Bravo — brought to the club amid much controversy to replace England keeper Joe Hart — gave United a lifeline.
https://twitter.com/d_problemsolver/status/774601650052984832
Ibrahimovic missed another easy chance shortly after thanks to another mistake from Bravo, but the half ended with the score still 2-1 in City’s favor. Jose Mourinho, clearly displeased with his side’s performance in the first half, took off Jesse Lingard and Henrikh Mikhytarian for Ander Herrera and Marcus Rashford.
United were much improved in the second half, but were ultimately unable to find a way through. The biggest talking point of the second half came when Bravo again misplayed the ball before lunging into a tackle on Wayne Rooney.
Claudio Bravo showing his studs tackling Rooney! Surely a penalty? pic.twitter.com/F9uvxbNkjC
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) September 10, 2016
Bravo appeared to get some of the ball, but United have a good argument that they should have had a penalty.
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City top the table after their win, but Mourinho will be encouraged by his team’s second-half performance, especially after their incredibly slow start to the game. Guardiola, meanwhile, has much to be pleased with. The Citizens are surely now the favorites for the Premier League title.