Manchester United delivered a stunning late comeback to defeat local rivals Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, deepening the crisis for Pep Guardiola’s struggling champions while marking another significant milestone in Ruben Amorim’s promising tenure at United.
The dramatic victory, secured through Amad Diallo’s 90th-minute winner, extends City’s miserable run to just one win in their last eleven matches, marking the worst sequence of results in Guardiola’s distinguished managerial career. The defeat also represents City’s eighth loss in this troubling stretch, raising serious questions about the champions’ current form.
The match carried extra significance as it marked Amorim’s first Manchester derby since taking charge at United, facing a team he had previously defeated while managing Sporting Lisbon. The Portuguese manager’s tactical acumen once again proved decisive as his side capitalized on City’s vulnerabilities in the closing stages.
City had appeared on course for a much-needed victory when Josko Gvardiol headed them into the lead, exposing United’s ongoing struggles defending set-pieces. However, the game transformed dramatically in the final minutes, sparked by a crucial error from Matheus Nunes, who was operating in an unfamiliar left-back role.
Nunes’ mistake proved costly as he not only surrendered possession but then compounded his error by clumsily bringing down Diallo in the penalty area. Bruno Fernandes stepped up with characteristic confidence to convert the spot-kick with just two minutes of regular time remaining, setting the stage for an extraordinary finale.
The winning moment arrived in the 90th minute through a combination of skill and determination from Diallo. The forward latched onto a precise pass from Lisandro Martinez, demonstrating remarkable composure to lift the ball beyond City goalkeeper Ederson before somehow finding the net from an acute angle, sending the visiting supporters into delirium.
This victory carries particular significance for Amorim, who has now defeated Guardiola’s City both as Sporting Lisbon manager and in his new role at United. The result not only reinforces his tactical credentials but also suggests United are beginning to embrace his philosophy and playing style.
For City, this defeat represents more than just a painful derby loss. The continuing poor run of form raises serious concerns about their ability to defend their Premier League crown, with their usually precise passing game and tactical discipline showing signs of unprecedented vulnerability.
The manner of the defeat, conceding two late goals after appearing in control, will be particularly concerning for Guardiola. The decision to deploy Nunes as a makeshift left-back backfired spectacularly in the crucial moments, highlighting the team’s current defensive fragilities.
United’s victory, meanwhile, showcases their growing resilience under Amorim’s leadership. The ability to maintain belief and execute effectively in the closing stages of such a high-pressure fixture suggests the team is developing the mental strength required to compete at the highest level.
Diallo’s performance encapsulates United’s transformation under their new manager. The forward’s persistence in winning the penalty and his clinical finishing for the winner demonstrate the kind of decisive quality that has often been lacking in recent seasons.
As the dust settles on this memorable derby, both teams face contrasting challenges. City must find a way to arrest their alarming slide and rediscover the form that has made them such a dominant force in English football. For United, this victory provides further evidence that Amorim’s methods are taking root, offering hope of a sustained challenge at the top end of the Premier League table.
The dramatic nature of this victory will live long in the memory of United supporters, while for City, it represents another painful chapter in what is becoming an increasingly challenging season.
