IF Pep Guardiola sorts his defence out then this could still be an unbelievable season for Manchester City.
As soon as I saw the line-ups I did not fancy that back four of Joao Cancelo, Fernandinho, Nicolas Otamendi and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Pep Guardiola has to fix Man City’s defence if they are going to win anything this seasonCredit: Reuters
United striker Anthony Martial tormented Man City, including with his openerCredit: EPA
Fernandinho has generally fared well as a converted centre-back but it was a City defence that had never played together as a unitCredit: AFP or licensors
It was the first time they had played together, and before the game I thought Manchester United would cause them real problems.
City did not deserve anything, with United excellent throughout.
In the first half the hosts could, and should have led by more than one.
Yes, it was a mistake by Ederson but they fell asleep at the set-piece and were punished.
Ederson should have done more but overall Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had a number of other chances.
They came into it slightly in the second half with more possession and one or two more efforts on goal but overall they were well beaten.
While there is still all to play for, there is no denying this is a poor league campaign for City.
Yesterday’s defeat was their seventh in the league — more than Guardiola has ever had in one season throughout his career.
They just have to accept they did not deserve to take anything from the game… By contrast, United were superb and Solskjaer should get an enormous amount of credit.
They will still get enough points to finish second but otherwise it has been a disappointment.
That being said, with one cup already in the bag, their season is far from over as they chase another treble.
After a great result at Real Madrid in the Champions League they have a massive second leg to look forward to.
They are also still in the FA Cup (though not for long, I hope, with a trip to Newcastle!) and are still on course for another historic season.
With little to fight for in the league, Guardiola may well prioritise the other competitions.
He hasn’t done too many things wrong since arriving in England so whatever he decides to do, I’m sure it will be right.
Right-back Joao Cancelo and Co struggled to get to grips with Anthony Martial as Man Utd won the tactical battleCredit: PA:Press Association
I don’t think it’s a case of the players taking their eye off the ball — once out on the pitch they will all still want to win, especially against their rivals.
Right now, they just have to accept they did not deserve to take anything from the game and move on to Arsenal on Wednesday.
By contrast, United were superb and Solskjaer should get an enormous amount of credit.
That was the third time they have beaten City this season, with Solskjaer becoming only the second manager to beat Guardiola three times in one campaign.
His tactics of three at the back were spot on and there were so many good performances across the pitch.
For me, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka was man of the match.
Anthony Martial was superb throughout while the midfield three of Fred, Nemanja Matic and Bruno Fernandes were brilliant.
City failed to trouble them at all for large parts. United looked hungrier throughout and were good value for a big three points.
After some tough moments in recent times, Solskjaer has stuck with it and the players have responded.
They now have eight clean sheets from their last ten in all competitions and are looking more solid than they have done in a long time.
Solskjaer got the signing he wanted in January in Fernandes — who has lit up the club — and everyone else has stepped up a gear.
Now ten games unbeaten in all competitions, United still have plenty to look forward to.
The battle for the top four is incredibly close and looks set to go to the wire.
Now just three points behind Chelsea with nine games to go, it is all to play for.
With Wolves, Sheffield United and even Tottenham still in the mix it is going to make for fascinating viewing.
It could be hard to dislodge Chelsea, though, who absolutely battered Everton yesterday and were fantastic from start to finish.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks about the impact of Bruno Fernandes after the Man United midfielder’s cheeky free-kick sets up first goal in 2-0 Manchester derby win
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
