Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City (Premier League)

Manchester United extended their winning run after coming from behind to run out 2-1 winners in the Manchester Derby. The win puts United just one point behind their rivals and up to third in the Premier League.

The first half was a cagey affair with the home side having the better chances to go ahead but Pep Guardiola’s men flexed their muscles and started the second half in dominant fashion, taking the lead through substitute, Jack Grealish.

The game looked out of reach until Bruno Fernandes levelled the scores in the 78th minute. Marcus Rashford continued his fine form with the winner just five minutes later after great work from Alejandro Garnacho.

Here are the player ratings from the Manchester Derby.

David De Gea – 6/10

United’s no.1 has shown gradual improvement this season with the ball at his feet and impressed a few times when under pressure from City’s forward line. Couldn’t do anything to prevent Grealish’s header from close-range and aside from that didn’t have much else to do.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7/10

Didn’t have too much to do defensively with City’s main threats coming from other areas but did well when called upon. Came alive in the 67th minute with some Ronaldinho-like footwork which resulted in the United right-back winning a corner from a long-range effort.

Played a key role in United’s equaliser, releasing Casemiro who played the ball forward for Fernandes to latch onto.

Raphael Varane – 7/10

Dominant display from United’s leader at the back. Made a number of crucial headers to deny City and is the vital cog in how United defend.

Luke Shaw – 6.5/10

Shaw was once again preferred at centre-back ahead of the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and more surprisingly Lisandro Martinez. Another solid game for Luke Shaw who has formed a strong partnership with Varane in recent weeks.

Tyrrell Malacia – 7/10

The busier of the two full-backs and defended well for the majority.

Casemiro – 6.5/10

Not his best performance in a red shirt but still made a huge impact at both ends. A fine ball forward that was no doubt meant for Rashford ended up in the path of Fernandes to level the score. With five minutes left on the clock, the Brazilian made another crucial intervention to prevent Haaland having a clear shot on goal. A busy afternoon for United’s No.18.

Fred – 7.5/10

A tireless performance from the Brazilian who had the job of keeping Kevin De Bruyne quiet. Very Ander Herrera-eqsue when the Spaniard was tasked with marking Eden Hazard at Old Trafford a few seasons ago without the success. De Bruyne eventually loosened the shackles to setup the opener for Grealish. Booked in the 88th minute.

Christian Eriksen – 6.5/10

United’s chief creator and was the orchestrater in the first half. The Dane set up two golden chances, firstly for Bruno Ferandes who dragged his shot wide and secondly for Marcus Rashford which the United forward overan when one-on-one with Ederson. The game passed him by after the break. Booked in the 65th minute for a lazy foul on Grealish and substitued for Garnacho in the 72nd minute.

Bruno Fernandes – 8/10

Started on the right and alternated wings with Rashford. Played a good ball over the top for Martial which was United’s first real opening of the game but City’s defence got back and defended well. Another fantastic ball played in Rashford who rounded an on-rushing Ederson but couldn’t supply the finish. With the game looking to be heading City’s way, United’s captain stepped up to level the scores. United’s man of the match.

Marcus Rashford – 7/10

Had a great chance in the 34th minute after taking the ball past Ederson who found himself in no man’s land. City got men back and his effort was cleared off the line when he may have been better looking for Martial or taking the ball closer before striking. Just a couple of minutes later United’s no.10 found himself bearing down on City’s goal again but a poor touch allowed Ederson to get out and smother the ball. It looked like he would rue those missed chances with United struggling to get a foothold in the second half but after a having a hand in the first, he took his goal well to secure all 3 points for the home side.

Anthony Martial – 4/10

Martial has struggled for both form and fitness this season and today was another example. Despite a couple of promising moments, the Frenchman looked a little rusty. A disappointing day was cut short, being replaced by Antony at half-time. With Weghorst in the stands, United’s no.9 will be all too aware that he has to pick his form up if he’s to retain his place in the side.

Substitutes

Antony – 4/10

Came on at half-time for Martial and started centrally to the surprise of many. Eventually moved to the right but struggled to have any kind of impact on the game.

Alejandro Garnacho – 7/10

Came on for Eriksen with 20 minutes to go which pushed Rashford central. The United youngster injected some energy down the left and his directness gave the City defence something different to think about.

His introduction ultimately changed the game and setup the winner after some incredible work down the left. United’s starboy continues to impress when given the chance.

Harry Maguire – N/A

Scott McTominay – N/A

Lisandro Martinez – N/A