Manchester United were stunned from the start of the derby. But Guardiola was saved by his student
Grigory Telingater March 3, 2024, 21:03 Moscow time
Foden scored a double against the England coach.
Things happen in football that are difficult to explain. One of them happened this weekend. And we are not talking about the final whistle in the “Valencia” – “Real” match, but about the central match of matchday 27 of the Premier League “City” – “United”. It seemed obvious who the favorites were in the derby, but something went wrong early in the match.
During the first half, MS attacked, as if it were the last few minutes and they desperately needed a goal. For example, in the first five minutes the statistics of accurate passes: 43:1. Manchester United simply did not leave their field. However, in the 8th minute a miracle happened, there is no other way to put it.
Marcus Rashford, one of the most criticized Manchester United players (perhaps even the most criticized after Anthony), received a pass 30 meters from the goal and, without any additional work, immediately shot into the near top corner. The ball went into the goal from the crossbar: an absolutely fantastic shot both in terms of execution and situation. It was hard to expect this from an Englishman when his equipment was being destroyed. Impressive start.
Manchester City-Manchester United
Photo: Frame of the transmission.
Despite being behind on the scoreboard, City were still the clear favorites, judging by the quotes from the live betting houses. This is understandable: Pep Guardiola’s team created chance after chance and in the first half alone he scored 18 shots (of which Phil Foden took six). Two great saves were made by André Onana, who, by the way, also participated in the Manchester United goal.
City’s enormous pressure was met with United’s confidence, which seemed to be revitalized by the goal. It is true that in the 45th minute the nominal guests were very lucky. Erling Haaland managed to miss a completely empty goal from two (or even less) meters, when no one could stop him: the ball went over the crossbar.
Manchester City-Manchester United
Photo: Frame of the transmission.
The coaches made no changes during the break. Apparently, Erik ten Hag was satisfied with the score, and Guardiola was satisfied with the quality of the game, because City really created a lot of moments and the point was precisely to implement it. In the second half it was hot again in Onana’s goal and the goalkeeper had to block shots and crosses.
But Foden’s shot was almost impossible to stop, even though he fired it from outside the area. The City player found himself in the same corner as Rashford in the first half. The return goal infuriated ten Hag, who confronted the substitute referee and received a yellow card for it. The manager apparently believed City’s scoring attack began with a foul on Rashford.
Manchester City-Manchester United
Photo: Frame of the transmission.
Probably, with the score 1:1, Manchester United would have started to press closer to their goal, but in this case not, because the team was already very low in their third of the field. At some point, Onana collapsed on the grass, raised both legs at once and called for medical help, but then continued playing.
But City still pushed! It was logical, given the initiative and the chances created (3.32 xG – information from SofaScore). The winning goal went to Foden. The English midfielder (by the way, in front of Gareth Southgate) scored a double, shooting from very close range. This time he couldn’t save Onana, although in this case he probably could have.
Manchester City-Manchester United
Photo: Frame of the transmission.
Finally, City scored a third goal. Moreover, this was done by Holland, whose game initially did not go well. For the Norwegian, this is goal number 18 in the current Premier League season. In the next round, the MC will visit Liverpool. The teams come into this match with a difference of only one point and after some very nervous matches this weekend.
Did you know that such a person exists?
The only coach who worked at both Manchester United and City. He has an incredible story.
