Manchester United’s five things noticed vs Man City as Roy Keane spells the truth for Rúben Amorim

Five things noticed as came back from the first half to defeat Manchester City 2-1 away from home thanks to Premier League brilliance from Amad Diallo.

Rúben Amorim chose to start Rasmus Højlund and Mason Mount as Manchester United lined up to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The match began with both teams vying to control possession, but United suffered an early setback as Mount had to be substituted due to injury within the first 15 minutes.

Read More: 9/10 for Amad Diallo, 3/10 for another – Manchester United player ratings vs Man City (Premier League)

Joško Gvardiol broke the deadlock for City, rising to meet Kevin de Bruyne’s deflected cross, which perfectly found him after a cleverly worked short corner.

United came out stronger in the second half, seeking to dominate proceedings. However, despite their increased possession, they struggled to create meaningful opportunities as City’s defence held firm. Bruno Fernandes came close to leveling the score with a golden chance in the final 10 minutes but couldn’t find the net.

The breakthrough came courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Amad Diallo. His dazzling footwork won a penalty, which Fernandes calmly converted with just five minutes remaining. United weren’t finished yet.

Lisandro Martínez, showcasing his vision, delivered a sublime pass from deep in defence to send Amad through on goal. The youngster rounded Ederson with composure and slotted home a stunning finish, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory for United in the dying moments.

Here are five things we learned from the dramatic fixture.

#1 – Roy Keane was right

Lo and behold, Manchester United conceded another corner. Only Wolves (9) have conceded more corners than Amorim’s men (8) in the Premier League this season.

Admittedly, this one had the extra bonuses of coming from an initial short corner and a deflection off Amad before Gvardiol leapt to head it in, but it was still far too easy.

At half-time, Keane stated that “United players, far too many times this season, haven’t been brave enough,” and he’s spot on. They are dominated too easily.

#2 – United not dominating the space

As Keane alluded to, the players didn’t seem brave enough. Although he was talking about defending set pieces, this is also true for the game in general – A truth Amorim must look to change.

In the first half, it was clear that City were there for the taking, but United failed to impose themselves, the gaps were there, but they didn’t exploit them, often making the safe pass.

Granted, they are a team low on confidence, but with the opposition side having won one in ten games coming into the fixture, it felt weak during the game.

#3 – Amad the only one with fire

Against City, it just felt as if none of United’s player had much fire in their bellies – something that’s needed if you want to defeat your bitter rivals, who have mocked you for a decade, at their own ground.

Out of United’s squad, it felt as if Amad Diallo was the only man who looked to take on the machine that is Man City, with the rest, for the most part, just looking as if they were too apprehensive to potentially get bit.

When the side were 1-0 down, Roy Keane said he did not mind if United lost right now, but what was more important was how they lost. United won due to the fire of one man, but they could just have easily lost, and the headlines would have been very different.

#4 – Defensively solid

Bar the goal conceded from yet another corner, credit must be given to the defence. Maguire, De Ligt, and Martínez were solid, and the latter predicted a brilliant assist for Amad’s winner.

Maguire looked sharp despite his lack of minutes, De Ligt looked comfortable playing on the left side, and Martínez handled Haaland well.

City only had three shots at Onana, with none troubling him, and it was only a few moments that City looked like they may break past.

#5 – Something to build on

Overall, despite the lack of fire in United’s side for the most part, the three points due to Amad’s brilliance gives Amorim something to build on.

After two losses in the league, Amorim has the perfect result to build momentum on. United weren’t good, but they won. That’s what matters.

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