Man City beat city rivals Man United 3-1 in the Manchester derby at the Etihad in the Premier League on Sunday, March 3. While the visitors started well, Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the game and won comfortably in the end.
Erik Ten Hag on Marcus Rashford’s injury
Aside from the defeat, a big blow to United could be potential injuries to Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans. Erik ten Hag subbed off the veteran defender in the 69th minute in place of Willy Kambwala. Meanwhile, Rashford, who scored Man United’s only goal of the game, was substituted off in the 75th minute for Antony.
In his post-match press conference, Ten Hag was asked if these substitutions were tactical or injury-induced. He replied (via manutd.com):
“I had to take them both off. They fought to be part of this game but after 60, 70 minutes we had to take them off and it was not in our advantage at all. Jonny was playing in the backline brilliant and Rashy was a threat. Not only goalscoring but as I said already in this press conference, I think he had three or four moments when he could have scored. He scored one but could have scored even more.”
Ten Hag, though, hopes to have both Rashford and Evans fit for their clash against Everton at home next week, as he added:
“Hopefully Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford is not too bad and they recover and we can use them in the next game against Everton.”
Evans has been a key player on his return to Man United this season, making 23 appearances across competitions. Meanwhile, Rashford has struggled this campaign, and registered six goals and six assists in 33 games across competitions.
Man City get the better of Man United in Manchester derby despite an early blow
Man United started well in the Manchester derby, scoring through Marcus Rashford in the eighth minute. They could’ve gotten a couple more goals but the Englishman failed to capitalise on those chances.
Man City then grew into the game and pushed United back. They created multiple opportunities but the game remained 1-0 for Man United at half-time.
City then racked up the pressure in the second half and were rewarded as Phil Foden restored parity in the 56th minute. He then made it 2-1 in the 80th minute before Erling Haaland completed the scoring in stoppage time.
Incidentally, the Red Devils had less possession (26%) in the game than the Cityzens had total shots (27).
Man City are second in the league standings, a point behind Liverpool, and the two sides are set to face off at Anfield next weekend in a potential title decider. Meanwhile, United are sixth, 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.