Manchester United had three unsung heroes in Man City comeback win
Man Utd came from behind to defeat Manchester City in the Premier League and here are the main talking points.
Kevin de Bruyne is put under pressure by Tyrell Malacia and Fred (Image: 2023 Manchester City FC)
Selection gamble pays off
There was plenty of talk in the build-up to the match about the tactical surprises Pep Guardiola could spring, but in the end it was Erik ten Hag who unexpectedly mixed things up.
Fred was brought into the midfield for his work rate and energy, with Bruno Fernandes repurposed into the attack to facilitate the change and Christian Eriksen occupying the attacking midfield role.
While the tactical switch saw Manchester United lose a grip on the game, it allowed them to do what they do best with a relentless counter-attacking approach.
This might not have been United in the finished vision of Ten Hag, but it was United with enough to silence their noisy neighbours.
A year ago this month, Anthony Martial was deemed surplus to requirements and loaned out to Sevilla. On Saturday, he was rushed back after an injury scare and relied upon to lead the line in the Manchester derby.
The Frenchman only lasted until the half-time whistle before he was replaced, forcing United to rely on Antony in a makeshift central striking role.
It was another timely reminder of United’s need for something different up front and with Wout Weghorst watching from the stands, the debate never felt so relevant.
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Weghorst might only have been signed to supplement United’s attacking options, but he could well turn out to be central to them.
Work still to do
City asserted their dominance from the get-go and enjoyed most of the possession, with United almost adopting the role of underdogs playing on the break.
It is understandable why Ten Hag chose to play to United’s strengths as a counter-attacking side, given their pace on the break, though it was also telling that they didn’t feel they could match City directly.
Even with the expertise of Casemiro and Eriksen in midfield, the focus was on work rate and energy, which saw United adopt a fast and loose approach rather than a calm and controlled one.
It was a gameplan that didn’t produce much until the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho 20 minutes from time, which finally gave United the pace and power they had been lacking
This was a timely reminder of the work still left to do if Ten Hag is to have his side play with the same authority as their neighbours.
Ten Hag needs to change his view on the title race
Ten Hag refused to indulge in the talk of a title challenge in the build up to the match, but he might not be able to ignore it any longer. United have made a great habit of beating the smaller teams in the Premier League, and now they have proven that they have what it takes to compete with the very best as well.
They are doing all the right things to become genuine contenders over the next couple of years, and while there is still lots of work to do, they are certainly a lot closer than Ten Hag would dare to admit.
Unsung duo played a priceless role
A fair few eyebrows were raised when the team sheet dropped, but by the full-time whistle, Ten Hag’s team selection was thoroughly vindicated.
At the heart of their win was the sacrifice of Fred and Tyrell Malacia, two players who might lack technical ability but who more than make up for it with their work rate and selflessness.
On derby day, passion and pride can play as much a part as anything, and that was perfectly summed up by the passionate displays of United’s unsung heroes who put everything on the line for the badge on the front of their shirts.
There should also be a special mention for Aaron Wan-Bissaka who continued his redemption arch with a brilliant overall performance to help his side back into the game. Though he wasn’t always at his best defensively, he played a key role with his attacking contribution and showed once again while he still has something to offer.
Source: dailylifeworld.com
