100% ground duels, 5 interceptions: 8/10 United star delivers defensive masterclass vs Man City, Amorim can't drop him - opinion

Manchester United registered a dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The Red Devils lacked the cutting edge in the opening half of the derby and they failed to muster a single shot on target.

City deserved their 1-0 lead at the break, but United showed better intent after the interval to seal an unlikely win.

Amad Diallo’s persistence contributed to Matheus Nunes’ foul for a late 88th minute penalty.

Bruno Fernandes converted the spotkick with ease. Diallo popped up with a dramatic late winner prior to stoppage time.

Diallo had a major part to play in the turnaround, but United were also good defensively to keep City’s attack at bay.

We were impressed with how Harry Maguire comfortably handled the threat of Erling Haaland up front.

The England international was reinstated on the right side of the back three yesterday. He was preferred ahead of Leny Yoro in the XI.

He delivered a defensive masterclass with 100% of his ground duels (4/4) won with three clearances, three recoveries and five interceptions.

Maguire lost possession on just four occasions. He kept Haaland quiet over 90 minutes as he failed to register a single shot on target.

The former United captain was the best performer after Diallo. He received a 8/10 rating from Manchester Evening News.

In our opinion, he has made a big statement with his derby showing and should keep his starting spot.

With yesterday’s win, United have moved within six points of Nottingham Forest, who are fourth in the league standings after 16 games.

The club’s immediate focus should turn to the Carabao Cup quarter-final where they have a testing trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .