In a thrilling finish, Manchester United scored twice in the final three minutes to secure a stunning 2-1 victory over Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday, further deepening their local rivals’ ongoing crisis.
City, who have struggled with form, have now won just once in their last 11 matches, suffering eight defeats during this run. Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header had given Pep Guardiola’s men the lead, but United responded with two late goals, keeping their hopes alive under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Bruno Fernandes equalized with a penalty before Amad Diallo squeezed in the winner in the dying seconds of regular time, much to the delight of the visiting Red Devils. The win lifts United to 12th place in the Premier League, just five points behind their city rivals, who remain in fifth, now nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
The dramatic turnaround marks a potential turning point for Amorim, who is aiming to shake off United’s struggles under previous management. Amorim had made the bold decision to leave both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of the squad for the derby, a move that initially seemed questionable after Mason Mount limped off in the 12th minute due to injury.
The match began slowly, with neither side finding rhythm early on. Phil Foden had City’s first real chance with a volley that flew just wide of Andre Onana’s goal after 20 minutes. The breakthrough came for City in the 36th minute, when Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected cross found Gvardiol, who headed in the opening goal from a corner, highlighting United’s ongoing issues with set-piece defending.
The second half saw City fail to capitalize on their dominance, with Foden’s form continuing to frustrate as his efforts went wide. United failed to register a shot on target in the first half, but came alive in the second. Diallo forced City goalkeeper Ederson into action with a header, and Fernandes missed a golden opportunity to equalize with a dink that drifted wide.
City’s defense, already under pressure, was undone in the final minutes. A misjudged backpass from Matheus Nunes gifted Diallo the chance to race through on goal, where he was brought down by the midfielder. Fernandes confidently converted the penalty to level the score. Then, in the last minute, a long ball from Lisandro Martinez found Diallo, who calmly rounded Ederson and slotted the ball into the net to complete the dramatic comeback.
The result leaves Manchester City’s season in further turmoil, while United will hope the victory sparks a revival in their quest to challenge for a higher position in the league.
