Man City 0-2 Manchester United: 5 Things We Learned

Manchester United emerge as unlikely winners of the Manchester derby having walked away with 3 points from the Etihad stadium.

Bruno Fernandes’ early penalty fired his side into the lead and Luke Shaw’s second-half goal ensured United stayed comfortable till the final whistle. Manchester City had been on a historical win streak before this weekend but ultimately succumbed to their bitter rivals.

Fernandes has yet again answered his crtics as he contributed to a win against a top-six opposition – albeit via yet another penalty – while the manager answered his as he continues to progress with his team.

Let’s take a look at how things played out and how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pulled off an upset.

1. City’s 21-game Win Streak Concludes

Pep Guardiola’s weaknesses were exploited yet again as the Red Devils end his side’s record of 21 consecutive wins. It would not be controversial to say the visitors went into the game as the underdogs but ultimately they managed to register a valiant win.

Nevertheless, the Skyblues still look to be favourites to win the league at the end of the season as they sit on top of the Premier League table 11 points clear of the closest competition.

 

2. Man Utd’s Away Run Continues: Chasing Record of 27

The Mancunians have been on a very impressive away run over the course of the current season. And with tonight’s win at the Etihad Stadium, they seem to be on a realistic course to equal and/or break the record set by Arsenal during the 2003/04 season.

For a team that supposedly has a low calibre manager, this is nothing short of impressive; especially considering their poor start to the campaign.

 

3. Dean Henderson Didn’t Let United Feel David De Gea’s Absence

David De Gea’s absence has not been made apparent by Dean Henderson at all. The Englishman has managed to hold consecutive clean sheets and deliver impressive performances.

The Spanish international had to take a leave of absence following the birth of his child. Fortunately, the Old Trafford outfit have someone more than capable of filling in the gap left by him.

De Gea may find his way back into the starting XI difficult should Henderson continue this run, which is something the latter will be keen on turning into reality.

 

4. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof 

The partnership of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof extend their impressive record of not conceding goals from open play against top-six sides. The last goal the pair conceded was via a penalty against Arsenal conceded by Paul Pogba.

The Swede and the former Leicester City man’s presence in these pressure games has been vital, which clearly reflects in the results.

From two of the most criticised defenders in the league, these performances deserve a lot of praise.

 

5. Solskjaer Continues to Haunt the Etihad

The Norwegian manager seems to have a certain dominance over Guardiola when it comes to playing away. With 3 out of 3 wins at the Etihad, Solskjaer continues to haunt the Catalan coach right in his own park.

Despite almost always having been perceived as the underdog, the former Cardiff City boss has perservered through it all and managed to get rather impressive results.