In a highly anticipated clash at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City welcomed their cross-city rivals, Manchester United, on Sunday afternoon, with both teams vying for crucial points in the Premier League title race. Having secured a win in their previous encounter at Old Trafford earlier in the season, Manchester City aimed to maintain their pursuit of league leaders Liverpool, while Manchester United sought to bolster their bid for a UEFA Europa League qualification spot.
The match lineup saw Manchester City fielding a formidable XI featuring the likes of Ederson, Dias, de Bruyne, and Haaland, while Manchester United’s lineup included Onana, Varane, Fernandes, and Rashford among others.
Despite expectations favoring Manchester City’s dominance, it was Manchester United who struck first, with Marcus Rashford’s sensational goal in the eighth minute providing them with an early advantage. Assisted by Bruno Fernandes, Rashford’s strike found the back of the net via a deflection off the crossbar, putting Erik ten Hag’s side in the lead.
However, Manchester City responded after the halftime interval, with Phil Foden restoring parity with a sublime goal that left the crowd at the Etihad Stadium in jubilation. Foden’s second goal, assisted by Julian Álvarez, secured the lead for the Cityzens, with Erling Haaland sealing the victory with a third goal in stoppage time.
While Manchester City left it late to secure the win, their confidence remains high as they prepare to face FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League round-of-sixteen tie. Meanwhile, Manchester United will look to bounce back from their defeat as they prepare to host Everton at Old Trafford in their next fixture.