Manchester United scored two late goals to beat rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.
It was another miserable night for the Premier League champions, who took the lead in the first half.
Josko Gvardiol rose to head home Kevin De Bruyne’s cross in a terrible game up to that point.
The quality didn’t improve much, but United made sure to make it entertaining late on.
Amad Diallo latched on to a loose pass from Matheus Nunes to goalkeeper Ederson, with the Portugal international catching him as he tried to make up for his mistake.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up to coolly convert the resulting penalty and it was a shocker moments later.
Diallo was again at the center of the action, slotting the ball past Ederson and sliding in to give United a shock three points.
Read on to see the full story of the clash in Manchester.
MANCHESTER. IT IS. RED. 🔴#MUFC || #MCIMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 15, 2024
How did it happen?
City dominated the early stages of the match, enjoying the lion’s share of possession.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Gvardiol rose high to head in De Bruyne’s deflected cross.
It was a deserved lead for City, who were the more threatening team in an ugly first half.
Despite City’s dominance, neither team created many clear-cut chances, with United failing to register a shot on target before the break.
The second half began with City continuing to control proceedings but failing to capitalize on their dominance.
Erling Haaland went close but the visitors stayed in the game, buoyed by City’s inability to kill off the game.
As time ticked on, United came into the game and began to ask questions of City’s defence.
What a feeling ❤️#MUFC || #MCIMUN pic.twitter.com/adNGEzhj08
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 15, 2024
The turning point came in the 86th minute when a crucial mistake by Nunes gave United a lifeline.
Nunes’s back pass allowed Amad to pounce, and although the initial touch sent him wide, the midfielder’s recovery tackle sent the United winger through.
Referee Michael Oliver did not hesitate to award the penalty. Captain Fernandes stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, leveling the score at 1-1.
With momentum firmly on their side, United sensed an opportunity for an unlikely victory.
Just four minutes later, in stoppage time, Lisandro Martinez delivered a precise pass over the City backline.
Amad showed great composure to slot the ball past an onrushing Anderson before slotting it into the net despite pressure from Gvardiol.
The away fans erupted as United surprisingly took a 2-1 lead.
The win lifts United’s spirits and gives Ruben Amorim’s side a major boost as they look to bounce back from a patchy run.
Meanwhile, City will be left to rue missed chances and continue with just one win in 11.
