Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City: Player Ratings and Key Match Highlights

Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City: Player Ratings and Key Match Highlights

Manchester United edged past Manchester City with a dramatic 2-1 victory, thanks to two late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo in the final five minutes of a high-stakes Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium. Heading into the 195th Manchester derby, the Red Devils made notable changes, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho dropped from Ruben Amorim’s squad. Mason Mount started on the wing, while City fielded Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden together for the first time this season.

Despite entering the match with seven defeats in their last 10 games across all competitions, City dominated possession early on. However, Amorim was forced into an early adjustment when Mount went down injured just 15 minutes into the game.

Clear-cut chances were scarce in the first half, but it was City who broke the deadlock. A well-delivered corner from De Bruyne found Joško Gvardiol, who guided the ball into the net. Tensions flared shortly after when Kyle Walker fouled Rasmus Højlund, prompting a fiery reaction from the Danish striker. Both players received bookings after a subsequent clash. Phil Foden had a brilliant chance to double City’s lead just before halftime, but his effort was deflected wide following an impressive solo run.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with City controlling the game and looking the more likely to extend their lead. However, United nearly leveled when Bruno Fernandes narrowly missed a chipped attempt over Ederson. Amorim made bold changes, bringing on Antony, Lenny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee to inject fresh energy.

With just five minutes left, the game turned on its head. A misjudged short pass from Matheus Nunes allowed Amad Diallo to intercept. As Nunes tried to recover, he fouled Amad in the box, conceding a penalty. Fernandes confidently converted to level the score. Moments later, Amad, who had been United’s standout player, found the back of the net to seal the comeback and all three points for the Red Devils.

For City, it marked their eighth loss in 11 games, deepening their current struggles and raising serious concerns about their form moving forward.