Manchester Derby Drama: United Stun City as Guardiola Faces Mounting Pressure
It was a night to remember for Manchester United fans and one to forget for Manchester City as the Red Devils pulled off a stunning 2-1 comeback victory in the Manchester Derby. The Etihad Stadium, usually a fortress for City, turned into a cauldron of frustration as boos rained down on Pep Guardiola’s side. To make matters worse, chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” echoed from the away section, rubbing salt into the wounds of a team in crisis.
United’s late heroics came courtesy of Amad Diallo, who not only won a crucial penalty but also scored the game-winning goal in the dying minutes. Meanwhile, City’s eighth loss in their last 11 games across all competitions has left their title hopes hanging by a thread. According to ESPN Research, this dismal run marks more defeats than City had suffered in their previous 106 matches combined. Let that sink in for a moment.
City’s Crisis Deepens: Guardiola Under Fire
Manchester City’s current form is nothing short of catastrophic. Their 2-0 loss to Juventus in the Champions League midweek was already a bitter pill to swallow, but Sunday’s derby defeat has pushed them further into the abyss. This is City’s worst run since 2003, and the cracks are showing everywhere.
Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header gave City a glimmer of hope, but their inability to maintain control allowed United to claw their way back. Matheus Nunes’ late foul on Amad led to a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes coolly converted. Just two minutes later, Amad struck again, sealing a dramatic victory for the visitors.
City’s problems are glaring. The team lacks pace in key areas, and their once-reliable stars—Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, and Bernardo Silva—are struggling to keep up with the intensity of top-level football. The fear factor that once defined Guardiola’s side has evaporated, leaving them vulnerable and exposed.
Guardiola, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, insists he’s not going anywhere. But with each passing defeat, the pressure mounts. How long can this go on before even his position becomes untenable?
United’s Resilience Shines Under Amorim
On the other side of Manchester, Ruben Amorim is quietly building something special at United. The Portuguese manager praised his team’s fighting spirit after their Europa League win over FC Viktoria Plzen, and that same grit was on full display against City.
It wasn’t a flawless performance by any means. For much of the match, United looked destined for a third straight Premier League defeat—a streak they haven’t endured since 2015. But Fernandes’ late penalty and Amad’s stunning winner turned the tide, giving Amorim his first Manchester Derby victory.
Amorim’s decision to drop Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the match-day squad raised eyebrows, but it proved to be a masterstroke. Amad’s match-winning contribution validated the bold call, sending a clear message to the squad: no one is indispensable.
- Amorim is the first United manager to win his first Manchester Derby since Alex Ferguson in 1987.
- United now face a tough run of fixtures, including games against Tottenham, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
- Despite the challenges ahead, this victory provides a solid foundation for Amorim’s Old Trafford rebuild.
Haaland’s Goal Drought Adds to City’s Woes
Erling Haaland’s struggles in front of goal are becoming a major concern for City. The Norwegian striker was virtually invisible against United, effectively neutralized by Harry Maguire, who delivered an outstanding defensive performance.
Haaland has scored just six league goals since the end of August, with only three coming in his last 11 league games. When he’s not scoring, Haaland offers little else to City’s attack, and opponents have figured out that nullifying him is the key to blunting Guardiola’s side.
This is a defining moment in Haaland’s career. Can he adapt and prove he’s more than just a goal machine when the team is struggling?
Mount’s Injury Woes Continue
Mason Mount’s injury-plagued time at United took another unfortunate turn as he was forced off after just 14 minutes. The midfielder has struggled to stay fit since his move from Chelsea, completing 90 minutes in a game only once in nearly 18 months.
Amorim has expressed admiration for Mount, but availability is key. With places in United’s lineup up for grabs, Mount’s latest setback couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Gvardiol’s Rollercoaster Afternoon
For Josko Gvardiol, the derby was a tale of highs and lows. His first-half header gave City the lead, but his failure to track Amad in stoppage time proved costly. It’s been a tough period for the 22-year-old, who has faced criticism for recent defensive lapses.
With City’s defensive options limited due to injuries and suspensions, Gvardiol has been thrust into the spotlight. While his potential is undeniable, he’ll need to bounce back quickly to silence the doubters.
As the dust settles on a dramatic derby, one thing is clear: Manchester is red, at least for now. For City, the road ahead looks increasingly uncertain, while United will hope this victory marks the start of a new era under Amorim.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
