The visitors stole all three points at Etihad Stadium in dramatic fashion thanks to the brilliance of their Ivorian attacker
A piece of late magic from Amad Diallo saw Manchester United ransack the Etihad Stadium and snatch a stunning 2-1 victory in the derby over Manchester City.
United were trailing for most of the game to a Josko Gvardiol header but Amad won a penalty which Bruno Fernandes took full advantage to level in the 88th minute. The Ivorian forward then produced a stunning piece of control before finishing past the hapless Ederson in the 91st minute, handing United their first win on enemy territory since 2021.
Ruben Amorim made a gutsy decision pre-game by leaving Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of the squad, although the players he did select did not exactly do him proud until the final stages. Mason Mount was forced off injured in just the 13th minute while Amad was repeatedly caught offside in a bitty first half.
Gvardiol headed City in front following a short corner routine, the fourth goal United have conceded from a set piece in three Premier League games and their eighth this season. Amorim was staring down a third consecutive league defeat but, just as in midweek in the Europa League, he turned to his bench and watched his side stage a memorable turnaround.
GOAL rates Man United's players from the Etihad Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (5/10):
Nothing he could do about the goal. Tipped a deflected Foden shot round the post. Looked a little nervous on the ball after his howler in Pilsen.
Matthijs de Ligt (6/10):
Looked comfortable on and off the ball.
Harry Maguire (7/10):
Excellent. Barely allowed Erling Haaland a sight of goal, reacting quickly to snuff out any sense of danger.
Lisandro Martinez (6/10):
Confident playing out and put in several key blocks to limit City's threat, at least in open play. A fine pass released Amad for the second goal.
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Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):
Tidy defensively, limiting Jeremy Doku's threat. Couldn't do much going forward.
Manuel Ugarte (6/10):
Worked hard to disrupt City's flow.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
Couldn't influence the game as he would have liked. Was unable to release runners and his passing was sloppy, then he badly miscued when clean through. Kept his cool from the spot, though.
Diogo Dalot (5/10):
Beaten in the air by Gvardiol. Didn't trouble Kyle Walker as much as he would have hoped.
Attack
Amad Diallo (7/10):
United's most lively attacker and after a largely disappointing game he turned it on at the crucial moment, winning the penalty before showing real composure against Ederson. A pivotal performance.
Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):
Played most of the game with his back to goal. Had zero shots but crafted the clear chance for Fernandes. Booked for clashing with Walker.
Mason Mount (N/A):
His big opportunity lasted just 13 minutes before he limped off looking distraught. Just as he looked to be on the road back, his injury curse struck again.
Subs & Manager
Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):
His composure limited the extent to which City could control the game.
Antony (5/10):
Didn't do loads but dovetailed nicely with Amad.
Leny Yoro (6/10):
His calm passing laid the platform for the turnaround.
Joshua Zirkzee (N/A):
A late introduction and held the ball up well to get the win over the line.
Victor Lindelof (N/A):
Introduced late on.
Ruben Amorim (7/10):
A statement win to kickstart his United career. Laid down the law by leaving Rashford and Garnacho out. Produced a cautious tactical plan and it paid off right at the end, with the help of his substitutions.
