Man. United dismantle Man. City in explosive derby

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Manchester United produced a statement performance to outthink and outfight their neighbours, beating Manchester City 2-0 in a pulsating Premier League derby defined by ruthless counter-attacking, defensive discipline and repeated VAR drama.

Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed the points for Manchester United, who absorbed long spells of pressure before striking decisively, exposing City’s high line and frustration.

United’s plan was clear from the opening exchanges: concede possession, stay compact and break at speed.

City dominated the ball early, but the hosts created the sharper chances, with Harry Maguire rattling the crossbar inside three minutes and Amad Diallo repeatedly threatening in transition.

The first half, however, belonged as much to VAR as to football. United had two goals ruled out for offside-first Amad Diallo’s finish and later a Bruno Fernandes effort, decisions that drew visible anger from the stands but ultimately reinforced the fine margins of the contest.

After the break, City pushed higher in search of control, bringing on fresh legs, including Rayan Cherki, but United remained dangerous on the counter.

The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute when Bruno Fernandes slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Mbeumo’s path, and the forward made no mistake from close range.

City responded with urgency, Erling Haaland forcing blocks and saves, but their vulnerability at the back was ruthlessly punished again in the 76th minute.

Matheus Cunha teed up Dorgu, who smashed a superb volley off the post and into the net to double United’s lead and effectively decide the contest.

There was late controversy when Mason Mount appeared to make it 3-0 deep into stoppage time, only for VAR to intervene once more and chalk off the goal for offside, compounding City’s frustration on a day when decisions repeatedly went against them.

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Manchester City struggled to convert control into clear-cut chances, while United were clinical, registering the majority of shots on target and defending their box with authority.

In front of a crowd of 74,004, United delivered a derby performance built on organisation, pace and precision, a reminder that, on the biggest occasions, efficiency still trumps possession.