The 186th edition of the Manchester derby, one of the world’s biggest football matches, saw Manchester United again defeated by an major rival. After the 5-0 humiliation by Liverpool, closest rivals Manchester City beat the Red Devils and continue their pursuit of the top two in the Premier League standings. Final score 0-2 at the Theatre of Dreams.Well, it is becoming a cliché to call this venue the ‘Theatre of Nightmares’ for the home team, given that in the last two Premier League matches at Old Trafford – United scored none and conceded 7 goals.Today’s 5-3-2 formation planned by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not help – defensive lack of confidence is obvious and they can thank their goalkeeper David De Gea for the score being at least a bit forgiving.With few half chances to open up the game, two sides analyzed each other but it was quite visible that the sky-blues want it more.In the seventh minute already, guests were ahead – thanks to an unfortunate reaction from the Ivorian in the ranks of Man United. It was a pitiful moment for Eric Bailly, who tried to clear a cross but instead sent the ball behind De Gea.The conceded goal meant that Manchester United are now without a clean sheet in their last 14 home games in all competitions.United threatened properly for the first time in the 26th minute. It was a massive opportunity for none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. He caught a precise pass inside the box and drilled a promising first-time blast towards the middle of the goal. His effort was blocked by Ederson who dived to keep the ball out.City took over again shortly after. One after another – Gabriel Jesus, Joao Cancelo, Kevin De Bruyne tried, but the Spaniard managed to deflect all those attempts.And as if his teammates do not care about De Gea they allowed Man City to scored their second only moments before the half time whistle. Sleepy United defence gave away space to Bernardo Silva to catch Cancelo’s slow cross and squeeze the ball behind De Gea.All three of Silva’s goals against Manchester United for Manchester City have come at Old Trafford, scoring in three of his last four appearances there.The second period of the match showed more dominance by City footballers but mostly in possession. When United had the ball it was only a matter of time before it was given away to Pep Guardiola’s men.At the hour mark, Mason Greenwood tried from distance but his shot sent the ball centimeters away from the right post.Ilkay Gundogan tried in the 67th minute but was also inaccurate. City continued their pressing and had another grand opportunity in the 82th minute via Phil Foden. However, Man City’s starlet’s effort did beat De Gea but hit the right post.Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City.𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞 🔵 pic.twitter.com/6DApAymKNw— Goal (@goal) November 6, 2021 John Stones could make it three-nil in the 87th minute but he sent a rebound a few inches wide of the left post.Minutes before the full-time whistle, Michael Oliver wasted a chance to award Man City with a obvious penalty after Alex Telles fouled Gabriel Jesus inside United box. A major overlook from the referee.Another bland performance from the Red Devils – Solskjaer again failed to wake up his squad. No creation, no intensity, no doubt City deserved to leave Old Trafford victorious.United stay fifth but can see themselves lower in the table by the end of the round. City overtake Liverpool as second and might even stay there for the international break since the Reds play against steaming West Ham at London Stadium on Sunday.PREMIER LEAGUE – Round 11FridaySouthampton – Aston Villa 1-0 (1-0)/Armstrong 3/SaturdayMan.Utd – Man.City 0-2 (0-2)/Bailly 7 og, Silva 45/18.00: (1.65) Brentford (3.80) Norwich (6.25)18.00: (1.27) Chelsea (6.00) Burnley (14.0)18.00: (2.60) Crystal Palace (3.05) Wolverhampton (3.15)20.30: (1.65) Brighton (3.80) Newcastle (6.25)Sunday17.00: (1.40) Arsenal (4.90) Watford (9.00)17.00: (3.05) Everton (3.25) Tottenham (2.55)17.00: (2.95) Leeds (3.40) Leicester (2.55)19.30: (4.80) West Ham (3.80) Liverpool (1.80)***odds are subject to change
