The Citizens crushed United in the Manchester derby to maintain their six-point lead at the top of the league table.
Manchester City defeated Manchester United 4-1 in their league game on Sunday. The Citizens grabbed their third win in a row while United displayed another disappointing performance.
Ronaldo’s unexpected absence 🤔
Rangnick’s side had to enter the game without the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani in their squad. The Athletic reported the pair have missed the game through injury.
However, a few other English outlets claimed Ronaldo has refused to sit on the bench after finding out he was not in the starting XI.
Rangnick used Anthony Elanga in his lineup while placing Bruno Fernandes in front of his five-man midfield unit. In defence, Varane’s absence forced the German manager to use the duo of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in the centre.
City make a clear statement!
Manchester City found a dominant start to the game while pushing for an early breakthrough. They soon got what they were looking for through Kevin de Bruyne’s opener in the fifth minute.
United managed to get back into the game when Jadon Sancho scored an equalizer 15 minutes later. However, United’s terrible defending provided De Bruyne with enough space to complete his brace before the interval.
Being 2-1 ahead, City intensified their pressure on the Red Devils’ shattered backline, scoring their third goal in the 68th minute.
De Bruyne completed his brilliant performance by providing an assist for Riyad Mahrez, who killed United’s hopes of a comeback with a sublime effort.
United had a few chances to score in the final ten minute, but it was City who scored a last-minute goal to make it 4-1. Mahrez put the icing on the cake for Pep Guardiola’s men while completing his second-half brace.
What’s next for Man City and Man United?
The 4-1 win disappointed Liverpool, who hoped to get closer to City in case they dropped points. On the other hand, United lost their place in the top-four after slipping past Arsenal, who had defeated Watford earlier today.
City will face Sporting in their next Champions League game on Wednesday while United prepare to meet Tottenham in the league next week.
Player Ratings
Manchester City: Ederson (6), Cancelo (8), Laporte (6), Stones (6), Walker (7), Rodri (7), Silva (9), De Bruyne (10), Mahrez (9), Foden (8), Grealish (7).
Bench: Gundogan (7).
Manchester United: De Gea (7), Wan-Bissaka (6), Lindelof (5), Maguire (4), Telles (6), McTominay (7), Fred (6), Elanga (6), Fernandes (5). Pogba (6), Sancho (7).
Bench: Rashford (6), Lingard (5).
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