Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City: Marcus Rashford scores dramatic late winner as Erik ten Hag's side take victory
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Updated 14/01/2023 at 22:31 GMT
Late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford gave Manchester United a dramatic come from behind 2-1 victory over local rivals Manchester City on Saturday. In a tense affair it was Jack Grealish who gave City the lead in the second-half but after being initially ruled out for offside an equaliser from Fernandes was allowed to stand. Moments later with City still reeling Rashford poked home.
'Fans may dream, not us' - Ten Hag on United's title chances after win over City
Marcus Rashford struck a dramatic winner as Manchester moved to within six points of the Premier League summit with a 2-1 comeback victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Pep Guardiola’s City struggled to carve out openings in a tense opening period and it was the hosts who had the better opportunities.
Bruno Fernandes sizzled just wide of the far post from a narrow angle before Rashford had a shot blocked on the line and an effort well saved by Ederson.
City stepped up a gear following the interval and Grealish broke the deadlock within 193 seconds of emerging from the bench when he headed home Kevin De Bruyne’s cross on the hour mark.
However, United stunned the away side with two goals in four minutes to turn the game on its head. First Rashford left a through pass from his offside position, allowing Fernandes to arrive from deep and fire home the equaliser on 78 minutes. The flag initially went up with City continuing to protest Rashford was interfering with play when the referee then gave the goal.
Rashford was then perfectly placed to tuck in from close range eight minutes from time after a lovely turn and cross from substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
The result means United move up to third spot, just one point behind Man City and six adrift of leaders Arsenal, who face Tottenham in the North London derby on Sunday.
Next up, Man United visit Crystal Palace on Wednesday while Man City host Tottenham on Thursday night.
Talking point
Title talk at Old Trafford? Tactically, Erik ten Hag got this spot on. United denied City a shot on target in the first half and could have been ahead had Rashford taken one of two good chances on the counter attack.
When City improved significantly after the break, the home team did not panic and eventually found a foothold in the game. The four-minute goal blitz completely stunned the Citizens, who couldn’t pick themselves back up despite a late rally.
Given that United are now just a point behind City it is clear they are now in the title race. The stats make for good reading too. This was a ninth straight victory in all competitions that equals their longest winning streak since Alex Ferguson retired as manager. They have also now won five PL games on the spin for the first time since April 2021 and look to have a real spirit and belief. And there’s no doubt ten Hag deserves huge credit for that as his impact since he arrived at Old Trafford is undeniable.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates with teammates Antony and Casemiro after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on Janua
Image credit: Getty Images
Player of the match
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United). Scored for the seventh straight United fixture since the World Cup and had a clever hand in the equaliser. Caused City plenty of problems in the first half and was always a threat on the break.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 14, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Image credit: Getty Images
Player Ratings
MAN UNITED: De Gea 7, Wan-Bissaka 7, Varane 8, Shaw 8, Malacia 8, Casemiro 8, Fred 8, Eriksen 8, Fernandes 8, Martial 7, Rashford 9. Subs: Antony 7 Garnacho 7, Maguire n/a, Martinez n/a, McTominay n/a.
MAN CITY: Ederson 6, Walker 7, Akanji 8, Ake 7, Cancelo 7, Rodri 8, De Bruyne 7, Bernardo 6, Mahrez 6, Haaland 6, Foden 6. Sub: Grealish 8.
Match Highlights
11’ – MAN UNITED CHANCE! Fernandes sizzles a low shot just wide of the far post from Eriksen's pass after United had pounced upon an error by Bernardo Silva.
34’ – MAN UNITED CHANCE! Ederson comes charging out of his box but is beaten to the ball by Rashford. The United forward cuts in from wide on the left but sees his low shot towards goal blocked on the line.
38’ – MAN UNITED CHANCE! Eriksen sets Rashford on the charge. The forward surges into the left side of the area but his final touch is a tad heavy and allows Ederson to come out and make a crucial save.
60’ – GOAL! – Man United 0-1 Man City. Grealish arrives on cue to head home after a wonderful move down the right involving Mahrez and De Bruyne.
78’ – GOAL! – Man United 1-1 Man City. Rashford races after a through ball from the right but opts to leave it and Fernandes comes from deep to flash the ball beyond Ederson. It is initially disallowed for offside - but after some consultation the referee gives the goal!
82’ – GOAL! – Man United 2-1 Man City. Rashford tucks home Garnacho's low cross from the left. What a turnaround!
Key stats
27 of Marcus Rashford's 67 Premier League goals have been the winning goal of the game, the highest percentage of any player with 50+ goals in the competition's history (40.3%).
Alejandro Garnacho (18y 197d) is now the youngest player to assist a goal in a Manchester derby in the Premier League.
Rashford is the first Manchester United player to score in seven consecutive appearances (all competitions) since Cristiano Ronaldo in April 2008.
De Bruyne has now reached double figures for assists in five different Premier League seasons, with only Cesc Fabregas (6) doing so in more different campaigns in the competition's history.
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