“Who would have thought…” Rúben Amorim praised for small Manchester United change that won the derby

Rúben Amorim has been praised for a small change he made in the second half that helped Manchester United defeat Man City in the Premier League.

Manchester United clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with Amad Diallo’s late heroics securing all three points for Rúben Amorim’s side in a pulsating Premier League showdown.

The game began with both teams battling for control, but United suffered an early setback when Mason Mount was forced off injured after less than 15 minutes.

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City took advantage of the disruption and opened the scoring through Joško Gvardiol, who headed home a deflected Kevin de Bruyne cross following a well-executed short corner.

United emerged stronger in the second half, dominating possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances as City’s defence stood firm. Bruno Fernandes had a glorious opportunity to equalize with 10 minutes remaining but couldn’t convert.

The breakthrough came from Amad Diallo, who produced a moment of brilliance to win a penalty that Fernandes coolly slotted home, leveling the score with five minutes left on the clock. United weren’t content with a draw.

Lisandro Martínez then delivered a sensational long pass from deep in defence, finding Amad in stride. The young winger calmly rounded Ederson and fired home a superb finish, completing a stunning turnaround and securing a memorable win for United in the dying moments.

Amorim’s small change

While Amad will receive most of the credit for his brilliant moments towards the end of the game, Former Everton and England midfielder Leon Osman feels that it was substituting on Antony in place of Noussair Mazraoui that won United the game.

“It was positive change from Ruben Amorim to bring on Antony in place of Noussair Mazraoui,” Osman told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Of course his side was chasing the game, but to bring Antony on as a right wing-back and win both sides of the battle against Jack Grealish, who would’ve thought that.

“Then it forced Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez to see those opportunities and play that pass. Those runs were always there. They just weren’t playing the pass.”

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