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Manchester United come back to win the Manchester Derby

By Ernesto Hernandez

Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Bruno Fernandes celebrates with Antony and Casemiro after scoring United’s first goal during their match against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes celebrates with Antony and Casemiro after scoring United’s first goal during their match against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Things certainly can change quickly. Especially in the Manchester Derby.

Manchester City went ahead midway through the second half thanks to a header from Jack Grealish. City looked comfortable and on their way to a win. But Manchester United had different ideas.

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Bruno Fernandes equalized for the Red Devils in the 78th minute, off a ball that was intended for Marcus Rashford. Rashford was offside but didn’t touch the ball, allowing Fernandes a shot from just outside the area who placed it past Ederson.

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Initially, the call by the linesman was offside. It appeared Rashford made an attempt at the ball because he continued to chase it and even seemed to want to take a touch before leaving it for Fernandes. He certainly interfered with play as he continued his run, dragging City defenders with him. But after a VAR review, the call was reversed and United were awarded the goal.

The momentum  then turned straight away.

Just four minutes later, Rashford was in the thick of things again as he poked home the winner off a cross from Alejandro Garnacho. The 18-year-old tried to squeeze it through initially only to have his cross rejected. He got the ball back and managed to get his low cross past Nathan Ake who played Rashford onside.

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On the whole, United were arguably the better team. They certainly were in the first half as despite City having the majority of the possession, they were unable to create any real scoring threats. On the other hand, United had a handful of efforts with Rashford seeing one of his attempts cleared off the line and another saved by Ederson after going through on goal.

Much is going to be made about Fernandes’ equalizer but United supporters won’t care. It was a statement win from the Red Devils and it leaves them in third place, only one point behind Manchester City.

Next. Three talking points from Barcelona’s win over Real Betis. dark

While Ten Hag is unlikely to publicly admit it, but if Manchester City are considered to be in the league title race — United  only a point behind — then why not Manchester United? Don’t look now but it looks like it is a three-team race for the Premier League title.

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