Manchester City suffered a damaging setback in the Premier League title race after a limp 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. In a performance that lacked intensity, cohesion, and conviction, Pep Guardiola’s side were second-best from the opening whistle, with Erling Haaland once again failing to influence a major derby encounter.
If not for the brilliance of Gianluigi Donnarumma, the margin of defeat could have been far heavier. The Italian goalkeeper produced a string of outstanding saves to keep City alive, but his heroics ultimately proved futile as United’s energy and organisation overwhelmed a strangely passive City side.
Injuries to John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, and Ruben Dias left Guardiola short at the back, forcing him to field an inexperienced defensive unit. That fragility was exposed early, with Harry Maguire rattling the crossbar and Patrick Dorgu forcing Donnarumma into action inside the opening stages.
City were fortunate to reach the half-time level. United repeatedly breached their defensive line, only to be denied by the offside flag after finishes from Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes. The warning signs were obvious, yet City failed to respond with any real authority.
There was a slight improvement after the restart, but City’s best moments still came courtesy of Donnarumma. The goalkeeper denied Amad and Casemiro in quick succession and then reacted sharply to parry Bryan Mbeumo’s effort. Eventually, however, the pressure told. Fernandes burst through midfield on the counter and slipped in Mbeumo, who finished confidently to break the deadlock.
From that point on, City unravelled. United played with freedom and belief, while Guardiola’s men looked increasingly stretched and vulnerable. The second goal arrived when Patrick Dorgu dispossessed Rico Lewis and calmly converted, summing up City’s lack of sharpness.
Amad later struck the post with a stunning effort, and Mason Mount saw a third United goal ruled out for offside, but the outcome was already beyond doubt. With Arsenal still to play later in the day, City now face the prospect of falling significantly behind in the title race.
Manchester City Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
Gianluigi Donnarumma (9/10):
Outstanding. Produced multiple top-class saves and prevented a heavy defeat. Easily City’s best performer.
Rico Lewis (4/10):
Struggled defensively and was careless in possession. His lapse led directly to United’s second goal.
Abdukodir Khusanov (6/10):
Unsettled early on but grew into the game. One of the few defenders to recover some composure.
Max Alleyne (4/10):
A difficult afternoon for the young defender. Looked overwhelmed and was withdrawn at half-time.
Nathan Aké (5/10):
The most experienced defender on the pitch, but unable to provide leadership or stability when it mattered.
Midfield
Phil Foden (4/10):
Largely anonymous and failed to influence proceedings before being taken off at the interval.
Rodri (4/10):
Well below his usual standards. Outmuscled and outplayed by Casemiro in midfield.
Bernardo Silva (5/10):
Worked hard but struggled to impose himself against United’s aggressive press.
Attack
Antoine Semenyo (5/10):
A tough outing for the January signing, whose touch and decision-making deserted him.
Jeremy Doku (7/10):
One of the City’s brighter sparks. Worked tirelessly and showed flashes of quality despite limited support.
Erling Haaland (4/10):
Completely isolated and ineffective. Barely troubled United’s defence and was substituted late on.
Substitutes & Manager
Nico O’Reilly (5/10):
Had difficulty coping with Amad’s pace after coming on.
Rayan Cherki (5/10):
Failed to provide the creative spark City desperately needed.
Tijjani Reijnders (5/10):
Added some energy but little real impact.
Rayan Aït-Nouri (5/10):
Did not significantly improve the City’s left side.
Divine Mukasa (N/A):
Too little time to make an impression.
Pep Guardiola (4/10):
Outmanoeuvred and outworked. City lacked urgency, structure, and hunger, raising serious questions about their title credentials.