MANCHESTER — Manchester United beat Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in the 171st Manchester derby.
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Marcus Rashford‘s first half goal was enough to grab a vital three points for United as they are well and truly back in the top four race.
Here’s how the players fared out of 10 in a pulsating derby.
Manchester City
Joe Hart – 6 – Didn’t do much wrong but forced off in second half with a nasty injury.
Bacary Sagna – 5 – One of City’s defenders who didn’t struggle but didn’t get forward enough.
Martin Demichelis – 1 – Possibly one of the worst performances in Man City history. Undone by Rashford, could’ve given away a PK and poor back pass led to Hart injury. Subbed out.
Eliaquim Mangala – 4 – Maybe this mark is generous. Really struggled to contain Rashford and made some rash challenges.
Gael Clichy – 4 – Wasteful in possession when he did get forward.
Fernandinho – 6 – Did what he does best, broke up plays and hit sideways passes.
Yaya Toure – 6 – Was the driving force but should have scored at end of first half. Whipped in a lovely ball when Aguero hit the post.
Raheem Sterling – 5 – Bright start as he crossed for Navas but was forced off early with an injury. Shame.
David Silva – 5 – Not one of his better games. Couldn’t get on the ball.
Jesus Navas – 6 – Very bright and always the most dangerous of City’s attackers. Can’t finish though and had two good chances in first half.
Sergio Aguero – 6 – An off day in front of goal. He hit the post, slammed over and thrashed one wide. Always sharp but lacked support.
Subs
Fernando on for Sterling – 6 – Solid enough and helped City keep the ball better. Moved back to center back in second half.
Bony for Demichelis – 5 – Slipped at a pivotal moment when he was set free and didn’t get involved enough.
Caballero for Hart – 6 – Made one good save down low with his legs and that’s about it.
Manchester United
David De Gea – 7 – Decent save from Navas in first half and looked composed with his distribution. Solid outing.
Matteo Darmian – 6 – Came off injured and struggled with Sterling early on. Recovered.
Chris Smalling – 7 – Gave away some silly free kicks in and around the box. Apart from that, stood tall.
Daley Blind – 7 – Always looked in control and took Aguero head-on. Composed.
Marcos Rojo – 6 – Came off injured but looked solid and steady.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 8 – Dominated midfield. Sprayed the ball around nicely and helped set up the first goal. Great display.
Michael Carrick – 7 – Used all his experience to help United battle through despite not getting on the ball much.
Juan Mata – 6 – Subbed out in the second half but great ball to Rashford for the goal.
Jesse Lingard – 6 – Full of industry but didn’t get on the ball much.
Anthony Martial – 7 – Always looked lively and provided an outlet. Worked hard out wide and pressed City’s defenders whenever they had it.
STAR MAN – Marcus Rashford – 9 – The local lad scored the winner on his debut in the Manchester derby. Could have won a penalty and bullied City’s back line. Wonderful maturity and strength. Hard to believe he’s only 18. Now has five goals in eight games for United.
Subs
Valencia for Rojo – 5 – Caught out a few times defensively but did what he had to do.
Fosu-Mensah for Darmian – 5 – Didn’t have much time but youngster slotted in nicely.
Schweinsteiger for Mata – 5 – Little time to make an impact but helped clear some balls late on.
