Derby loss aside, here are five things for Manchester United to focus on
Manchester United travelled across town to play in the 168th Manchester Derby which was hosted at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
This was manager Louis van Gaal’s first Manchester derby and with City suffering a dip in form, United sensed the chance to close the points gap.
From the first whistle United were the most attacking of the two, boosted by the return of captain Wayne Rooney after his three match suspension.
Despite a good start and the fact that United were fielding a team worth £241million, the most expensive in British history, two yellow cards for defender Chris Smalling in the first half changed the course of the game and allowed City to take control.
Always a prolific goal scorer, Sergio Aguero took his opportunity and put his team ahead on the 63rd minute.
United never lost belief but with one man down the Red Devils were unable to find their equaliser so the points and pride went to the blue half of Manchester.
The game aside, here are five things we learnt about United this week.
Click on Marcos Rojo to unveil the top five talking points we think Van Gaal will be focusing on.
Manchester United supporters. Should United have picked up points against City? Did Chris Smalling’s sending off destroy the game? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.
Football News 24/7
10 years ago
really chris smalling showed childhood attitude, If he is not send out difinetly man utd will win this derby
10 years ago
United will bounce back
10 years ago
Man utd were shaky and tense for the first 30mins of the match, januzaj was poor throughout, di maria only woke up well into the second half, van persie was selfish when he dribbled into the box and shooting straight at hart same as he did twice against chelsea , he does not look for better positioned players… The sending off of smalling increased the pressure on our defense.