Manchester United returned to defeat Manchester Metropolis in controversial trend within the dramatic Manchester derby.
It’s clear that Manchester United, very unexpectedly, are within the Premier League title race.
Jack Grealish put Metropolis forward after leaping off the bench however targets from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford ultimately sealed victory for United. Fernandes’ equalizer was extremely controversial as Rashford stood in an offside place and though he did not contact the ball it clearly appeared to have an effect on play.
The Purple Devils have now gained 9 consecutive matches in all competitions and 5 consecutive matches within the Premier League. They’ve 38 factors, one behind second-placed Manchester Metropolis and 6 behind leaders Arsenal.
Erik ten Hag’s aspect are on this title race, whereas champions Pep Guardiola misplaced two video games on the bounce to crash out of the League Cup and at the moment are undefeated within the Manchester derby. They simply do not seem like themselves.
[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]
Offside drama the place the Purple Devils keep on with their recreation plan, and are available again
Look, based on the letter of the regulation, Marcus Rashford could technically be within the aspect, however there isn’t any method he hasn’t affected the positioning of Manuel Akanji and Metropolis goalkeeper Ederson. The truth that Rashford ran in the direction of objective with the ball principally below his toes positively interfered with the play and affected the positions of the others. Nonetheless, United’s recreation plan was glorious in opposition to Metropolis and completely fooled the reigning champions. Fred was excellent as an additional man in midfield as he and Casemiro shut down De Bruyne and Bruno clipped lengthy balls excessive for Rashford to run on. The entire United workforce caught to the plan and Erik ten Hag bought the subs proper as Anthony and Garnacho added an additional trick on the counter within the second half. United are stable defensively and in unimaginable form. They’re definitely on this race for the title now.
Bruno Fernandes’ objective was stopped as a result of Marcus Rashford didn’t contact the ball and was dominated unaffected by the defender. #morning | #MUNMCI pic.twitter.com/nt2whnApL3
– NBC Sports activities Soccer (NBCSportsSoccer) January 14, 2023
Erik ten Hag praises Manchester United’s ‘large’ spirit
Chatting with BT Sport, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag praised his workforce spirit of their return win.
“We performed nicely within the first half. We defended nicely and took good probabilities. We have been actually pleased at half-time. After half-time we needed to play Martial, he had some complaints, and the sport modified. Metropolis got here in, we weren’t proactive. They scored. The workforce spirit is large.” Very, there’s a perception that the sport is 90 minutes lengthy and we will resist. I’m actually pleased with the workforce’s efficiency… Religion is again and we’re in path. It’s a must to function exterior of possession [against teams like City]. They’ve qualities in separate moments to attain targets. We noticed that in the present day. One mistake they usually scored.
Bruno Fernandes: “We was people… however now we’re a workforce”
United’s Portuguese playmaker additionally spoke to BT Sport and praised the collective unity as he stated they have been now a “correct workforce” working collectively. This appears to be like a bit of completely different even from the massive wins and performances below Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. United nonetheless have loads within the tank and Erik ten Hag has pushed everybody in the precise path.
The celebrities of the present
Marcus Rashford: He bought behind loads and scored once more. Such a risk and within the type of his life.
CasemiroDominant in midfield as he and Fred shut down Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. He’s the center of this workforce. Huge block on Haaland within the first half.
RodriHe put in a fantastic efficiency to assist Metropolis take management of the sport early within the second half. In some way nonetheless underrated.

What’s Subsequent?
Manchester United journey to Crystal Palace on Wednesday 18th January, whereas Manchester Metropolis host Tottenham on Thursday nineteenth January.
Dwell evaluation of Manchester United and Manchester Metropolis! – Posted by Joe Prince Wright
Departure: 7:30 a.m. ET, Sat
TV channel: USA Community
On-line: stream throughout NBCSports.com
full time – A giant win for Manchester United as they fought to beat Manchester Metropolis 2-1. However everybody will discuss that equalizer. That is the official ruling from FIFA.
The official offside rule from the Soccer Affiliation. There are numerous judgments right here that appear to point that what Marcus Rashford did with Bruno Fernandes’ objective was offside. #MUFC 2-1 #MCFC pic.twitter.com/rS2Tygr2RZ
– Joe Prince-Wright (JPW_NBCSports) January 14, 2023
Late on United have held on to some good defenders from Lisandro Martinez and others.
Purpose! Marcus Rashford turns dwelling after a fantastic piece of labor from Garnacho down the left.
🔥 Marcus Rashford cannot cease scoring! 8 targets within the final 7 matches. If this outcome holds true, Manchester United are just one level behind Manchester Metropolis. #MUFC 2-1 #MCFC pic.twitter.com/hQyFXXaqh1
– Joe Prince-Wright (JPW_NBCSports) January 14, 2023
Purpose! And an enormous controversy. Marcus Rashford was flagged for offside and Bruno Fernandes’ objective did not maintain, however VAR was used and he is up. That is controversial. Rashford was clearly offside and affected the play, however didn’t contact the ball.
Bruno Fernandes balances the match!
📺: USA_Network #morning | #MUNMCI pic.twitter.com/a5BfgOjRwM
– NBC Sports activities Soccer (NBCSportsSoccer) January 14, 2023
United did not actually reply to being late. The town is shifting by means of gears now and enjoying soccer. They’re of their ingredient.
Jack Grealish places champions on prime at Previous Trafford! 🤩
📺: USA_Network #morning | #MUNMCI pic.twitter.com/1OWzZGjwzM
– NBC Sports activities Soccer (NBCSportsSoccer) January 14, 2023
Simply Sammy from Kevin de Bruyne and take a look at Grealish’s starvation to stand up and go dwelling. Can United reply?
GOALLLL! Jack Grealish scores moments after coming off the bench. Riyad Mahrez finds Kevin De Bruyne, who falls in an exquisite cross, and Grealish straightens his head on the again publish.
What an important second for Grealish! Metropolis leads at Previous Trafford. #MUFC 0-1 #MCFC
– Joe Prince-Wright (JPW_NBCSports) January 14, 2023
Phil Foden is off, Jack Grealish is on. A irritating outing for an ex. He felt like he was a hacker more often than not attempting to get entangled within the assaults.
likelihood! Varane was discovered on the again publish however urged his effort broad. Nice alternative for United. On the different finish, Phil Foden falls within the penalty space below strain from Casemiro, however this isn’t a penalty kick.
Anthony within the first half, however Anthony Martial, not Rashford. The latter removed this hip drawback. Anthony performs up entrance centrally.
half the time: Man United 0-0 Man Metropolis – United regarded good on the counter and Metropolis did not have many clear probabilities. A tense, however fascinating, first half within the Manchester derby.
Rashford is now again however Anthony is warming up and has a quiet phrase with Erik ten Hag. He would not be stunned to see him come on within the first half.
Oh no. Marcus Rashford got here down holding his left hip. He slams the ground in frustration. Within the kind he is in, that is the very last thing Manchester United need. #MUFC
– Joe Prince-Wright (JPW_NBCSports) January 14, 2023
likelihood! Rashford enters once more however Ederson comes out and chokes his shot. United are far behind Walker.
likelihood! The ball excessive sees Ederson lunge out however Rashford hits him with it and rounds him. His cross was blocked after which crossed however Ederson’s header was saved. Direct and decisive assault from United.
A number of ball for Metropolis however they do not do a lot with it. De Bruyne and Haaland appear to have modified positions for a while.
likelihood! After some persistence, Metropolis performed, you discover Haaland within the penalty space, however Casemiro rushes in with barrier. Higher than Metropolis. It is like a variety of them.
Cancelo clears after United performs an extended ball excessive and will get a cross into the field. Their plan works.
Broad! Bruno Fernandes pulls an effort broad of the far publish after some nice passing. United settle into the match.
Not many probabilities but however Metropolis management the ball and United are pleased to sit down again and play straight. Curiosity tactical battle. Pep and ETH open their eyes broad and look frightened on the sidelines. This shall be a good and tense recreation.
Beginning! We’re within the course of and it permits Metropolis to have a variety of the ball early on.
For United, Luke Shaw begins at centre-back with Tyrell Malacia at left-back, whereas Fred begins alongside Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in midfield.
“It is onerous to say {that a} second-placed workforce is fading away…however there’s clearly one thing Pep does not like.”
What is going on in Manchester Metropolis?
📺: USA_Network #morning | #MCFC pic.twitter.com/FSccw1FIMh– NBC Sports activities Soccer (NBCSportsSoccer) January 14, 2023
As for Metropolis, they made eight modifications to the aspect that misplaced at Southampton in midweek as Haaland and De Bruyne have been tasked with opening up that abruptly too scarce United defence. Akanji and Ake at centre-back have an enormous job to cease Rashford and Martial.
Whats up and welcome! It is Manchester Derby day and Previous Trafford is rocking. The workforce information is fascinating, so let’s get all of it straight.
Main storylines
United construct momentum and Marcus Rashford takes the helm. He is scored seven targets in his final six video games for the Purple Devils and appears unstoppable at this stage. Elsewhere, Casemiro dominates midfield and Lisandro Martinez is again in protection after profitable the World Cup. All throughout the court docket, the off-kilter gamers are assured and look robust to beat.
Pep Guardiola and Man Metropolis haven’t regarded the identical earlier than and after the World Cup break and they are going to be a bit of anxious forward of this encounter. They’ve struggled in opposition to United in derbies lately however that has not been the case Earlier this season after they gained 6-3. Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne tore United aside in October and Metropolis will hope the duo can hyperlink up and have the ability to management the tempo of this recreation, notably in midfield.
In-form gamers to look at
Marcus Rashford is the plain alternative for Manchester United, whereas Casemiro and Luke Shaw have additionally been glorious. Anthony can be again to his greatest after a slight dip in kind. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been unbelievable after his comeback at right-back, whereas Bruno Fernandes has additionally been in fantastic kind.
Manchester Metropolis’s Rodri is a key participant, whereas Riyad Mahrez has additionally been glorious in latest matches and is predicted to start out.
Manchester United workforce information, accidents, and squad choices
Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek have remained out with the latter revealing he’ll miss the season after struggling a knee harm. This recreation comes very early for Diogo Dalot, whereas Luke Shaw begins in centre-back and Christian Eriksen, Fred and Casemiro begin in midfield with a barely extra defensive look. Wout Weghorst has arrived on mortgage however isn’t out there for this recreation.
🔴 Within the pink nook 🔴#MUFC || #MUNMCI
– Manchester United (ManUtd) January 14, 2023
Manchester Metropolis workforce information, accidents, and lineup choices
Defensive midfielders Robin Dias and John Stones are off the sector. Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Erling Haaland, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Ederson, Rodri and Bernardo Silva all began after being on the bench for the loss at Southampton.
🔴 𝘛𝘌𝘈𝘔 𝘕𝘌𝘞𝘚 🔵
eleventh | Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo, Rodrygo, De Bruyne (midfield), Bernardo, Mahrez, Foden, Haaland
Branches | Ortega Moreno, Phillips, Gundogan, Grealish, Laporte, Alvarez, Gomez, Palmer, Luis#Manchester Metropolis | @worker pic.twitter.com/8IXrEcmXJf
– Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) January 14, 2023