Manchester United emerged victorious in the 179th Manchester derby at the Etihad, as they beat Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.


City were looking to close the gap at the top of the table, going into the derby 14 points off league leaders Liverpool. City rivals United, meanwhile, knew that a win would see them move into fifth, and just five points off the Champions League spots.


United started strongest, forcing City goalkeeper Ederson into action early on. The City keeper pulled off three crucial saves for the hosts, denying United's attackers with every shot they had in a frantic opening to the Manchester derby.

The drama began when Marcus Rashford was brought down inside the box by Bernardo Silva, who came across and caught his leg. While referee Anthony Taylor saw no cause to blow for a foul, a VAR check overturned his decision and awarded Manchester United a penalty.

It was Rashford who collected the ball for the chance to put City in front, having just won the penalty. The Red Devils striker kept focused and sent his spot kick into the bottom-right corner, putting the visitors in front and giving them a valuable advantage at the Etihad.

It didn't take long for United to build on their lead, and just six minutes later they added a second before the half-hour mark. Daniel James touched it off for Anthony Martial, who burst inside and struck his shot goalbound, cannoning off the post and going in to double the Red Devils' lead.

The second half settled down a bit, but Manchester City kept on fighting. Chance after chance came by the Citizens, but they couldn't break down a resolute United defence as they struggled to find a way through.


With the game looking lost, City conjured a glimmer of hope thanks to Nicolas Otamendi. With the clock ticking down and towards the 90th minute, the defender headed home from a corner to set up a grandstand finish.

City fought hard in the search of a vital equaliser, but it wasn't enough as United saw out the result and secured a huge three points on enemy soil, in a massive derby win at the Etihad.