Manchester Derby: Amad clears United for big win over Citizens

Manchester United inflicted more pain on struggling Premier League champions Manchester City with a dramatic 2-1 victory, as late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo turned the game on its head.

Ruben Amorim’s side appeared on course for a third consecutive league defeat, trailing 1-0 to Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header. However, a scrappy derby took a surprising turn when a mistake by Matheus Nunes led to a penalty, which Fernandes converted in the 88th minute. Just moments later, Diallo stunned City with a brilliant finish from a tight angle, sending United’s supporters into raptures.

City have now won just once in their last 11 matches across all competitions and remain in fifth place, while United moved up to 12th.

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Neither side played with much fluency at the start, with United failing to register a shot on target in the first half. United manager Ruben Amorim made a bold decision by leaving Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of the squad, only for Mason Mount to be forced off injured after just 14 minutes, replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.

City didn’t have a shot on goal until the 20th minute when Phil Foden’s half-volley went wide. At the other end, Diallo’s strike hit the outside of the post but was ruled offside. City’s frustration grew, but the tension was lifted in the 36th minute when Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected corner fell perfectly for Gvardiol to score with a header past Andre Onana.

United’s defense continued to struggle with set pieces, having conceded eight goals from corners this season, the most after Wolverhampton Wanderers. Tempers flared soon after, with a clash between City’s Kyle Walker and Rasmus Hojland, resulting in yellow cards for both players following a scuffle.

United remained in the game and had a chance to equalize when Fernandes was through on goal, but his chip narrowly missed. City failed to record a shot on target after the break, and their hopes crumbled when Nunes’ poor back pass was seized upon by Diallo, who was fouled by Nunes, resulting in a penalty and United’s stunning comeback.