Manchester United completed a stunning comeback at the Etihad Stadium as Amad Diallo's last-minute goal sealed a 2-1 win over crisis-hit Manchester City.
Ruben Amorim's side trailed after Josko Gvardiol's first-half header until the 88th minute, when a tepid derby came to life when Matheus Nunes fouled Amad, after a poor back pass, and was awarded a penalty that was converted by Bruno Fernandes.
Moments later, the excellent Amad was put through on goal with Lisandro Martinez's ball over the top, hitting it around Ederson before sending a brilliant finish into the net from an acute angle, leaving the home fans in stunned silence.
The result deepens the crisis facing Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, whose side have won just one of their last 11 games in all competitions, continuing the club's worst run of form since 2006.
For Manchester United, the victory, only their second in the Premier League under Amorim, came after two big call-ups from the new boss, who left strikers Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of his squad for selection reasons.
Their absence saw Amad thrust into a more advanced role and he duly punished the out-of-control hosts for failing to add to Gvardiol's opener, which was headed home after Kevin De's deflected cross Bruyne creates one of the few chances in the first half.
It looked like Guardiola's side would stumble over the line to victory when Fernandes missed a one-on-one chance after Amad saw Ederson's header curl around the post in the second period, but City's final implosion ensured ensured that United could celebrate. a remarkable victory.
Champions Manchester City are in fifth place, behind fourth-placed Nottingham Forest, and nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
View: the most important goals
Fernandes praises the 'unstoppable' Amad
Bruno Fernandes praised Manchester United match-winner Amad Diallo, telling Sky Sports: “He has done great things and there is much more to come.
“He is always active, always alive and that is why he gets the penalty and his goal. He has been brilliant but I don't have to say much because we have to keep him going because we need him at this level.”
'He's unstoppable like that.
“I'm pretty sure he can do this every week. We expect it. He knows the expectations when he plays for Manchester United. He's earned his chance. If you do the right things at the right times, the rewards are there.”
Silva: 'Stupid' Man City played as under-15s
Bernardo Silva did not hold back on Manchester City's collapse, telling Sky Sports: “We totally deserved what happened.
“At this level, if it's a game or two, you can say they're lucky. If it's 10 games, that's not what it's about.
“If in the 87th minute of a derby you win 1-0 with a corner for your team and the ball goes to your goalkeeper and you get a penalty for them, my friend…
“If you make stupid decisions like this with three or four minutes to go, you deserve to pay for it.
“If you look at the game, there was only one team that could win. But in the end we lost, and it's not one game, it's been a lot of games lately.
“We have to look at ourselves. It's not about luck. It's the decisions you make. Today we played the last minutes as under-15s and we paid the price.”
Comments