On April 12, 2015, Manchester United faced Manchester City in a highly anticipated Premier League derby at Old Trafford. Manchester United secured a 4-2 victory, continuing their strong form and avenging their earlier loss in the season.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Manchester United: 4 (Ashley Young 14′, Marouane Fellaini 27′, Juan Mata 67′, Chris Smalling 73′)
- Manchester City: 2 (Sergio Agüero 8′, 89′)
- Possession:
- Manchester United had 55% possession, while Manchester City had 45%. United’s control of the ball allowed them to dictate the tempo for much of the match, particularly after recovering from an early deficit.
- Shots:
- Manchester United registered 17 shots, with 6 on target, reflecting their attacking intent and efficiency in front of goal. Manchester City had 12 shots, with 6 on target, showing their ability to create chances but ultimately being outdone by United’s clinical finishing.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester United displayed a passing accuracy of 85%, completing 470 passes out of 553 attempts. Manchester City had a passing accuracy of 82%, completing 391 passes out of 479 attempts. United’s superior ball retention and movement were key to their ability to control the game and create scoring opportunities.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Manchester United made 18 tackles compared to Manchester City’s 20, indicating a competitive and physical match. United’s defense, led by Chris Smalling and Daley Blind, was solid despite conceding two goals to Sergio Agüero.
- Set Pieces:
- Ashley Young scored United’s equalizer from close range after a scramble in the box, following a deflected cross. Marouane Fellaini’s header, from a pinpoint cross by Young, gave United the lead. Juan Mata scored United’s third after a through ball from Wayne Rooney, while Chris Smalling added the fourth with a header from a set-piece. Both of City’s goals were scored by Sergio Agüero, with the first coming from open play and the second a late consolation goal.
- Individual Performances:
- Ashley Young was instrumental for Manchester United, scoring the equalizer and providing an assist for Fellaini’s goal. Marouane Fellaini’s physical presence was a key factor in United’s dominance, particularly in the air. Juan Mata and Chris Smalling also played crucial roles with their goals. For Manchester City, Sergio Agüero was the standout player, scoring both goals, but he received little support from his teammates.
- Tactical Overview:
- Manchester United employed a 4-3-3 formation under Louis van Gaal, focusing on controlling the midfield and exploiting City’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly with crosses and set pieces. Manchester City used a 4-4-2 formation, but they struggled to contain United’s attacking threat after taking an early lead. United’s tactical discipline and ability to exploit City’s weaknesses were key to their victory.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, two for each team: Manchester United (Wayne Rooney 55′, Chris Smalling 83′) and Manchester City (Jesús Navas 43′, Fernandinho 60′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing counter-attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester United won 8 corners compared to Manchester City’s 3, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their aggressive forward play and attempts to stretch the opposition’s defense.
Summary
Manchester United’s 4-2 victory over Manchester City in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford was a comprehensive and emphatic performance that highlighted their resurgence under Louis van Gaal. After falling behind early to a Sergio Agüero goal, United quickly responded with goals from Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini, taking control of the match. United’s dominance continued in the second half, with Juan Mata and Chris Smalling adding to their tally, while Agüero’s late goal for City was merely a consolation.
United’s tactical approach, focusing on exploiting City’s defensive weaknesses with crosses and physicality, proved highly effective. The win was a statement of intent from United, solidifying their place in the top four and avenging their defeat to City earlier in the season. For Manchester City, the defeat was a major blow to their title hopes and raised questions about their defensive frailties and consistency.
The match is remembered for United’s attacking prowess, the impact of key players like Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini, and the passionate atmosphere at Old Trafford as United asserted their dominance in the derby.
