Player Ratings: Machester United 1-0 Manchester City
- Manchester United through to the Quarter-finals of the EFL Cup after beating local rivals 1-0 at Old Trafford.
- Juan Mata’s second-half goal ensured that Guardiola’s side go six games without a win, his worst run in his managerial career to date.
Both teams headed into this Manchester Derby in poor form and both needed a confidence booster to kick start their seasons.
Man City dominated possession in the first half but without Silva or De bruyne in the starting line up lacked the cutting edge they showed in their last encounter. This gave Manchester United a chance to gain a foothold in the game and after the restart looked rejuvenated. They harassed their bitter rivals and forced them into mistakes they were not making in the first half.
Manchester United were rewarded for their aggression and got the only goal in the game in the 54th minute, when Juan Mata nestled his shot into the bottom corner past Caballero.
The result sees’ Mourinho’s side bounce back from their humiliating defeat at the hands of Chelsea.
Player Ratings:
Man Utd
D. De Gea (6) Had precious little to do as Man City failed to register a shot on target.
A. Valencia (7) Continues to cement his position as a bonafide right back, didn’t venture forward as positively we have seen in his recent performances.
D. Blind (7) Did not give the City attack any space; he was calm and composed at the back.
M. Rojo (7) Put in a display that belied his form over the last 12 months; he put in a solid defensive performance and has made a good account of himself.
L. Shaw (6) Was run ragged by Jesus Navas in the first half but regained his composure after the interval and went forward well.
M. Carrick (7) Provided a solid base in the Man Utd midfield, he grew into the game into the second half as he passed the ball around efficiently.
A. Herrera (8) A captain in the making, Herrera was not afraid to put himself about. He showed his tenacity in the build up to the goal as he edged out Fernando, which made room for Mata.
P. Pogba (4) Again failed to make any sort of impact in the final third. Hasn’t quite found his footing yet at United and has a tendency to fall to the ground. He saw his chance saved expertly by Caballero.
Juan Mata (7) Broke the scoring in the 54th minute, was always looking to drift into the middle of the park.
M. Rashford (7) Was his sides go to man in the first half; his pace and dribbling ability caused City problems.
Z. Ibrahimovic (6) The legendary Swede was having a game to forget until he overpowered Otamendi in the build up for Juan Mata’s goal.
Subs
M. Schneiderlin (6) He came on and performed his duties quietly but assuredly.
J. Lingard (N/A) Came on for Rashford in the last 10 minutes but wasn’t able to make an impact.
Man City
W. Caballero (6) Made a brilliant save to keep out Pogba’s effort in the second half.
P. Maffeo (8) Had a tough battle against an enthusiastic Rashford but the youngster performed well throughout. He tracked back well to stop Pogba from scoring.
V. Kompany (7) The defender put in a good defensive performance outmuscled and out-fought Ibrahimovic before his withdrawal at half time.
N. Otamendi (5) Was having a solid game until Kompany’s substitution. After the break he lost his head and was bullied by Ibrahimovic for the goal.
G. Clichy (6) He provided a vital clog between attack and defence. He was solid throughout.
J. Navas (7) Navas was Man City’s most dangerous player in the first half and continually had the beating of Shaw. He started to fade after half time.
A. Garcia (7) He was comfortable on the ball and sprayed it around with confidence. Faded towards the end of the game but it was an assured showing by the youngster.
Fernando (6) The Brazilian was solid at the base of Man City’s midfield, but was culpable in conceding the goal.
Nolito (7) Was effective going forward and worked hard defensively but like the rest of his team failed to replicate his first half performance.
L. Sane (6) The German winger was ineffective throughout the match, too often he held onto the ball for too long.
K. Iheanacho (5) Missed an early opportunity and never tested the Man Utd goalkeeper.
Subs
A. Kolarov (5) Came on for Kompany and his team looked disjointed defensively in the Belgians absence.
R. Sterling (6) Didn’t make a significant impact on the game, earned his side a free kick in a good position but that’s as good as it got.
S. Aguero (5) Curiously didn’t play centrally upon his arrival. The Argentinian looks out of form and was outpaced by Michael Carrick on the wing on one occasion.