Amad inspires epic turnaround at Man City as Amorim becomes first manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win his first derby
Amad Diallo’s late heroics secured a breathtaking 2-1 victory for Manchester United against their local rivals, Manchester City, in a high-octane Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. The result compounded City’s woes, marking just one win in their last 11 matches across all competitions, while Ruben Amorim’s United showed resilience and grit to stage a late comeback.
The derby, once defined by contrasting dominance between the two Manchester giants, unfolded amid mutual struggles. Pep Guardiola’s City and Amorim’s United have both been grappling with consistency, adding a unique edge to this encounter. Despite the electric atmosphere in the stadium, the opening exchanges reflected the current form of the two sides—tense and cautious, with neither team able to impose themselves.
A Cagey Start and Early Setback for United
The first 20 minutes provided little in the way of excitement, apart from Mason Mount being substituted due to injury—a blow for United in an already tense affair. The lack of creativity from both teams led to a dearth of chances, as frustration began to grow among the fans.
City finally managed the game’s first shot when Phil Foden volleyed wide, but the visitors slowly grew into the match. Despite their efforts, United’s inability to make their chances count continued to haunt them, with Manuel Ugarte sending the ball over the bar from a promising position in the 30th minute.
It wasn’t long before City capitalized on United’s vulnerabilities. A short corner routine caught United’s defense off guard, as Kevin De Bruyne’s cross deflected perfectly into the path of Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian defender, left unmarked, powered his header into the net to give City a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute. It was United’s eighth goal conceded from a corner this season—a glaring weakness under Amorim’s regime.
Second Half: United Struggle to Break Through
Trailing at halftime and without a single shot on target, United needed inspiration. The introduction of fresh attacking intent saw Amad Diallo emerge as a key figure. The young Ivorian showcased his growing confidence, forcing Ederson into a smart save from a header after connecting with Bruno Fernandes’ cross.
City, however, looked set to seal the game as they continued to frustrate United. The visitors had a golden opportunity in the 74th minute when Rasmus Højlund’s clever pass sent Fernandes one-on-one with Ederson. In a moment of disappointment for the captain, Fernandes chipped the ball wide of the target, squandering the chance to level the game.
The Danish forward was also denied a penalty earlier in the match after being brought down by Ruben Dias, adding to United’s mounting frustrations. But the defining moment was yet to come.
Diallo Inspires a Sensational Turnaround
With just minutes remaining, Amad Diallo capitalized on a disastrous backpass from Matheus Nunes. The Ivorian’s clever movement drew a foul from Nunes, earning United a penalty. Fernandes, given a second chance, made no mistake this time, coolly converting to equalize and inject belief into the visitors.
City, rattled by the late equalizer, failed to regroup, and United seized the moment to deliver a devastating blow. Lisandro Martinez produced a stunning lofted ball behind City’s defense, finding Diallo in space. The 21-year-old displayed composure beyond his years, rounding Ederson with a delicate touch before slotting the ball into the net.
The away end erupted in celebration as Diallo’s last-gasp winner sealed an improbable 2-1 victory for United, silencing the Etihad faithful.
Match Statistics
- Shots on Target: Manchester City 3 – Manchester United 2
- Possession: Manchester City 62% – Manchester United 38%
- Corners: Manchester City 7 – Manchester United 3
- Fouls Committed: Manchester City 10 – Manchester United 12
United’s resilience, highlighted by Diallo’s match-winning performance, showcased their fighting spirit under Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, City’s ongoing struggles raise questions about their ability to retain their Premier League title this season.
This unforgettable derby win not only boosts United’s morale but also serves as a statement victory as they aim to reignite their season under Amorim’s leadership. The dramatic turnaround will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of the season for United fans.
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