Looking unrecognisable from their shambolic displays this season; the United players rose to the occasion; looking like a team that actually enjoys playing with one another. Where have they been all season? Credit to their beleaguered manager Erik ten Hag; he got his strategy spot-on. Content to defend in numbers; he allowed City to dominate possession; then hit them on counter-attacks down the flanks; relying on his speedy wingers Alejandro Garnacho & Marcus Rashford to do the damage.
And that was actually how United got both their goals; the first long ball from Diogo Dalot causing a mix-up between Josko Gvardiol & Stefan Ortega; and the second a sumptuous build-up involving Garnacho; Bruno Fernandes & finished by the impressive Kobbie Mainoo.
For City; it was probably their worst game of the season. Maybe it was fatigue after a long season; or over-confidence; but they looked a shadow of their usual selves. Kevin de Bruyne's passing was so off that he was hauled off early in the second half for Julian Alvarez; while Phil Foden was unable to create any magic that he has so often this season. And John Stones? It is just surprising he actually lasted the whole match. It was only when substitute Jeremy Doku came on that City looked dangerous; with the Belgian winger teasing & tormenting Aaron Wan-Bissaka down the City left; and getting that late goal that proved too little; too late.
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