Hero Diallo - Amorim's big message: Three talking points from Man United's 2-1 win vs Man City
Manchester United registered an astonishing 2-1 Premier League victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium today.
The hosts broke the deadlock around the half-hour mark through Josko Gvardiol.
Both teams struggled to find any chemistry in attack, but two horrific mistakes from Matheus Nunes handed United a penalty in the 88th minute.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up to equalise. The roof came off when Amad Diallo scored the match-winning goal in the 90th minute, compounding the misery for City manager Pep Guardiola.
Here are three talking points from a memorable Manchester derby.
Amorim will call the shots
Pre-match discussions were dominated by the intriguing team selection from the new United manager.
He dropped Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the squad.
He admitted that both players were fit, but their exclusion was a tactical choice. Both players have struggled for form this season.
While Garnacho has been a revelation, a lesson in discipline was overdue.
Rashford is no longer a youngster, and this message might be enough for him to move on next summer.
Amad Diallo becomes the hero
Had it not been for Diallo, United would have lost 1-0. The 22-year-old has been United’s most dangerous attacker in recent months.
Diallo was alert to latch onto a poor back pass from Nunes. The City midfielder brought Diallo down inside the penalty area.
The Ivorian was not finished there, as Lisandro Martinez spotted his clever run on the right flank.
Diallo delicately chipped the ball over Ederson, showing composure to slot it home in the final minute.
He has a bright future under Amorim.
Maguire shines, but Dalot disappoints
Amorim’s decision to include Harry Maguire proved to be a masterstroke.
The England international was solid in the heart of the defence, dominating Erling Braut Haaland.
He won all four of his ground duels and achieved 92 percent passing accuracy.
Maguire also made five interceptions and three tackles, restricting City from scoring from open play.
He fits perfectly into Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. The same cannot be said for Diogo Dalot.
The Portuguese full-back had plenty of the ball on the left flank but was disappointing with his deliveries.
He failed to find a United player with either of his crosses and lost all seven of his duels.
While the Red Devils claimed an unforgettable victory, there are clear issues to address at left wing-back.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .