For sure, derby matches involving Manchester are always something to hold one’s breath in anticipation. Sunday’s game did no different, shying from such an opinion. The game started at a slim margin for Manchester City through Josko Gvardiol’s headed goal at half-time. A very late thrust from Manchester United, courtesy of the teenager Ivorian winger Amad Diallo, sealed an epic derby win for Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim’s Test by Fire
This was baptism by fire for the new Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese boss, who is always attacking, saw his team struggle to break a resolute City defense during the opening period. Under Pep Guardiola, City dominated possession but failed to create clear-cut chances.
Gvardiol’s Header Gives City the Edge
It broke in the 67th minute. A whipped cross by Phil Foden found the imposing form of Josko Gvardiol in a far post. He leaped over the United defence, before planting a powerful header which kissed the crossbar behind David de Gea to get Etihad Stadium into pandemonium.
This task left United searching for the game. Amorim brought some fresh legs to attack through substituting Amad Diallo and Anthony Elanga. Still, City was still left to still possession that gave all hopes of counter-attacking possibilities by the Red Devils.
Diallo Breathes Life into United’s Comeback
About 83′ Scott McTominay launched a long ball forward that, bizarrely, seemed harmless but it fell into the laps of Diallo who was on the right flank. The young winger was so inured to his electric pace and trickery that he could cut inside past Joao Cancelo and unleash a thunderbolt of a shot from outside the box. The ball swerved viciously, leaving Ederson rooted to the spot and nestling into the bottom corner of the net.
The away side’s fans sitting on Old Trafford turf went berserk at seeing one pure bit of magic from their youngster. The goal shifted the balance of the game completely. United, buoyed by Diallo’s effort, threw caution to the winds and continued searching for that winner.
Fernandes Closes the Comeback
Manchester United took the stunning comeback just three minutes. Opportunistic to an extreme, Bruno Fernandes grasped a stray ball in the City penalty area and rolled the low ball to Ederson’s nets. Fans in the Etihad Stadium literally froze as the visitors ecstatically celebrated their famous victory.
Diallo: Villain to Hero to Villain
This was not all. When Diallo made an unnecessary challenge in a move for which he has already been yellow carded, with the fading seconds of the game, the midfielder has already yellowed then later sent off as red-carded and nothing would bring those faithful United members on their knees. The young, agile small wing they have currently on their side saw himself literally change that game and give them just three much-needed points at this point.
All after the thriller match that his boys have played, and all that beaming Ruben Amorim could say is praise and accolades for his youngsters. “Amad changed the game,” he said. “His goal was pure brilliance. We needed something special, and in it came.” He also praised attacking substitute Anthony Elanga after supplying much attacking drive on the day United needed.
Diallo leading United back in the title race?
This win has brought United back to life in hope of winning the title of the Premier League. The Red Devils now find themselves three points behind City at the top of the table. Much is to be asked about their consistency, but emergence of youngsters like Diallo gives an insight into a bright future ahead for the Red Devils.
A Night for Young Stars:- Diallo
Young players played to their potential tonight: one which shall long be remembered for United fans at least and that beautiful wonder goal from Amad Diallo. And this result means now, United will stay in contention for the title, and has given importance to changing the Old Trafford guard. Things now look brighter for the Red Devils since stage promises to set it off with that new generation of talents.
