Manchester Utd vs Manchester City 0-2: Red Devils Swept Aside

Manchester City picked up a comfortable 2-0 win at Old Trafford in the first Manchester derby of the 2021-22 Premier League season in another poor performance by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. 

Two first half goals by City were enough here as they were in complete control for the whole of the 90 minutes. An own goal by Eric Bailly and a late first half goal by Bernardo Silva put City two goals up in what was another terrible defensive display by the Red Devils. 

A Sign of Things to Come

United sat deep in the early phases of the game as City controlled possession and got into their rhythm. Pep Guardiola wanted to use a right-footed player on the right and a left-footed player on the left and therefore used Gabriel Jesus and Phil Foden respectively as they looked to keep the width. 

Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo often sat centrally but also offered width as they both put in very impressive displays. 

It was poor defending by United once again for the opening goal as Eric Bailly turned the ball into his own net, following a cross from the left flank by Cancelo. Kyle Walker had initially played a dangerous ball into the box from the right flank which Solskjaer’s side just about dealt with. However, the ball fell to Cancelo down the left who was given far too much space with the ball. Bruno Fernandes should have done better to close him down. 

United struggled to keep possession in the opening 10 minutes as City were excellent at winning the ball back quickly and recycling possession. Pep Guardiola’s well-drilled side swarmed United as soon as they got the ball and won back possession quickly. 

As the first half progressed, the Citizens looked much sharper, winning a lot of the 50/50 duels and stopping the Red Devils from creating any sequences of play. 

There was a brief moment during the first forty five when United were able to gain a bit of possession and they started to put some passes together but they failed to do much with the ball as City were able to defend well as a collective unit. 

The hosts finally got a move going as Luke Shaw was able to put in a decent cross from the left. Cristiano Ronaldo was able to get a good connection on a volley but it was saved fairly comfortably by Ederson. Mason Greenwood was unable to get on the follow up.

Most Premier League away wins at Old Trafford:

8 – Man City
7 – Liverpool
6 – Chelsea
4 – ??? ?????????
4 – Man City without Pep
4 – Arsenal
4 – Spurs

What a man. ?‍ pic.twitter.com/EsM9SA8b59

— William Hill (@WilliamHill) November 6, 2021

More Defensive Woes for Manchester United

Man United started to press high up to win the ball back but City did well to retain possession. This eventually led to United getting caught as Aaron Wan-Bissaka pushed way too high up the pitch, which allowed Phil Foden to get in behind. Foden pulled the ball back to De Bruyne but his effort was blocked. The ball fell to Gabriel Jesus to shoot from close range but David De Gea responded with a fantastic save. 

City continued to dominate play and switched possession well across the pitch. De Gea was forced into making a number of decent saves, including efforts from De Bruyne and Cancelo, as the first half came to a close. 

However, the visitors doubled their lead on the stroke of half time after Cancelo delivered a fantastic ball, curling the ball into the box with his right foot from the left. Harry Maguire and Shaw were too hesitant as the ball came in which allowed Bernardo Silva to slide in at the back post. De Gea also should have done better as he was weak with his attempt to try and save Bernardo Silva’s effort. 

United’s defense had no leadership and there was a lack of authority and communication, which allowed City to score their second goal.

Manchester City See Out Second Half

Jadon Sancho was subbed on at half time for Eric Bailly as Manchester United switched to a four at the back formation. Mason Greenwood occupied the right flank as United looked to try and push Cancelo deeper.

It was a more equal game in the second half, particularly in the first 20 minutes, as possession sat around 50/50. City looked comfortable and were able to assert their dominance once again as the half progressed.

United didn’t look like scoring or creating any chances and Guardiola was happy for United to pass the ball around as they had a lack of malice to their play. 

There wasn’t too many chances for either side in the second half as Man City were able to see the game out with ease. Perhaps they could have scored more, especially when Foden dragged his effort wide late on in the match. 

What’s Next for City and United?

The pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to mount here as his side put in another dismal and uninspiring display in front of the home crowd. Perhaps United will rue not picking up Antonio Conte before he joined Spurs. 

Up next for United is a trip to Vicarage Road against Watford after the International break. 

It was a dominant performance by City here as their quality shone through, bouncing back from their 2-0 defeat at home to Palace last time out in the league. 

They will play host to Everton in their next match. 

 

MATCH SCORECARD

November 6, 2021 – Premier League 2021-22 Round 11
MANCHESTER UNITED – MANCHESTER CITY 0-2

SCORERS: 7′ Bailly o.g., 45′ Bernardo Silva