Ruben Amorim has clarified the reasons behind Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford’s absence from Manchester United’s squad for their dramatic clash against rivals Manchester City. In a thrilling encounter at The Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Manchester United secured a remarkable 2-1 victory, pulling off a significant upset against the reigning Premier League champions.
The match seemed destined to end in disappointment for United after City took the lead with a goal by Josko Gvardiol in the first half, capitalizing on a corner. With City seemingly controlling the game, United faced the risk of suffering their third consecutive league defeat under Amorim. However, the tide turned in the final moments. A critical back pass by City’s Matheus Nunes allowed Amad Diallo to be fouled in the box, leading to a penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes in the 88th minute.
Immediately following the equalizer, Diallo ignited the visiting fans’ joy by scoring a stunning second goal just moments later, showcasing his skill with a well-placed finish from a challenging angle. As a result of this pivotal victory, United moves to 22 points and aims to climb the table over the Christmas period. Meanwhile, City is grappling with a dismal run of form, having lost eight of their last 11 matches across all competitions.
After the match, midfielder Bernardo Silva did not shy away from acknowledging the disappointing outcome, stating that City deserved the defeat after failing to maintain control late in the game. This loss underscores the challenges facing Pep Guardiola’s team as they linger in fifth place, nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.
Despite United’s struggles earlier in the season, this victory could serve as a crucial turning point. Fernandes expressed his confidence in Diallo, emphasizing his potential and impact when on form. The team’s resilience and determination in the derby may ignite further momentum as they head into the festive fixtures.
Diallo himself spoke about the team’s performance, highlighting their ability to press and strive for victory. He expressed gratitude and a focus on maintaining this positive trajectory moving forward.
This match not only illustrates the unpredictable nature of football but also provides a glimmer of hope for Manchester United amidst their struggles, as they look to build on this memorable derby win and push for greater success in the league.