1. City show depth of attacking options


Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates scoring City’s second goal

The enforced absence of star striker Sergio Aguero, serving the first of a three-game ban for violent conduct, was seen as a major disadvantage for City.

But Pep Guardiola showed the range of attacking options he has at his disposal by picking young forward Kelechi Iheanacho to lead the line.

The teenager justified his manager’s decision with an assist and a goal, before coming off early in the second half for tactical reasons. City proved they are not reliant on Aguero.

2. Mourinho got his team selection wrong


Jose Mourinho reacts as his side toiled

With only 24 minutes gone, and United trailing 1-0, Mourinho instructed Martial, Mata, Rashford and later Herrera to warm up, knowing he had picked the wrong starting-line up and change was needed.

Selecting Mkhitaryan and Lingard for their first competitive starts under him backfired, the former looking like he was still feeling the effects of a rib injury, while Lingard, making his return after injury, was also off the pace, although they were by no means alone, with none of United’s players justifying their selection.

Marcus Rashford should have started, his introduction after the break bringing fresh impetus to United’s play.

3. De Bruyne comes back to haunt Mourinho


Troublesome: De Bruyne had an excellent first half, scoring and making another

Not deemed good enough by Mourinho at Chelsea, De Bruyne came back to haunt his former boss, scoring City’s opener and having a hand in their second, after his angled shot came back off a a post, into the path of Iheanacho for the simplest of finishes.

De Bruyne was afforded so much freedom by United and took full advantage, punishing United for their slack defending and lack of focus at the back.

De Bruyne should have claimed his second goal and made it 3-1 deep into the second-half, but his low shot struck the inside of David De Gea’s near post in a let-off for United.

4. Blind and Bailly defensive partnership exposed


David Silva rides a challenge from Eric Bailly

Mourinho kept faith with Bailly and Blind in central defence, after their impressive start to the season and the understanding they had developed as a pairing.

But both endured afternoons they will want to forget, particularly Blind, who let De Bruyne through for City’s opener, then played Iheanacho onside for the visitors’ second goal.

Bailly was also at fault for the first goal, failing to jump with Iheanacho, whose glancing header found De Bruyne. Blind has always been a temporary solution in defence for United and showed why United need to bring in another centre-half of stature.

5. Bravo fails to justify his inclusion


Wayne Rooney down after a challenge with Claudio Bravo

Having jettisoned Hart, Guardiola handed his replacement, Bravo, his City debut, but the former Barcelona keeper was at fault for United’s first goal, clashing with John Stones and dropping the ball, allowing Ibrahimovic to pull one back with an exquisite finish.


Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores for Manchester United after Bravo’s mistake

It was a big call to hand Bravo his debut in a game of such significance and intensity, and the Chilean was lucky to escape a red card for a reckless lunge on Rooney when he mis-controlled the ball inside his own area.

Wonder what Hart would have made of such an error-strewn debut by his replacement?

wah of pogba??,..dz kelechi guy sef eh is he using juju? every time...

Mikylopez:
wah of pogba??,..dz kelechi guy sef eh is he using juju? every time...

the guy os a fine footballer....if he was a British,them fit don they talk say e better pass Ronaldo and messi

Mikylopez:
wah of pogba??,..dz kelechi guy sef eh is he using juju? every time...

Pogba is a baller. As long as Rooney keeps playing. Manchester United won't be okay.
Once they start shifting you from your original position to five or six positions just to accommodate you in the team, just know that you are finished.

Team selection by mourinho was really an issue...some of his players played below standard...man city players showed more composure and confidence with or without the ball..the first half was like a training session

delikay4luv:

Pogba is a baller. As long as Rooney keeps playing. Manchester United won't be okay.
Once they start shifting you from your original position to five or six positions just to accommodate you in the team, just know that you are finished.

dey shud Jes sell him or he shud retire e yaff try....I was really happy wen pogba got signed as red