Manchester United finally put to bed their poor history in the Manchester derby and in some style! An emphatic 4-2 win wasn’t the only bonus with an all-round performance making for a host of things we could take from this one to remember. Here’s four of them;
1. Coming from behind is bittersweet
You could interpret this one in a possible two ways – today’s Manchester derby or Marouane Fellaini’s United career. Firstly, it’s common knowledge by now that Louis van Gaal’s side were pegged back in only the eighth minute by Sergio Aguero, and if it was any other side you’d expect the early momentum that the home team were granted by pundits to be broken.
However, we couldn’t have asked for a better response just six minutes later from Ashley Young with a solo strike. To be back on terms was a relief for both our points tally and pride and not only did the Red Devils net another not too long after, but went on to double this sum. City certainly milked their bragging rights whilst they had them for just over five minutes. In fact, social media was uncontainable, sugar coating Manchester United’s 4-2 victory that bit more.
2. Coming from behind is bittersweet (the Fellaini version)
On the other hand, you could suggest Fellaini’s time at Old Trafford follows a similar suit; initially under constant cosh by all his peers now a mainstay in the starting line-up. It seems the midfielder also takes to praise as opposed to criticism in order to drive his performances as the gaffer recently heaped the plaudits onto the Belgian in a press conference.
However, last campaign the scrutiny proved all too much for Fellaini, who’s form was on a slippery slope. What if at the start of the season, I’d told you the 27-year-old was going to exceed Falcao’s record, with the latter notching four in comparison to his teammates six? Fellaini has forced his critics into hiding whilst our man rubs his hands together with an all-important netting today.
3. Belittling some of the Premier League’s best talent is a piece of cake
Michael Carrick v Yaya Toure. Wayne Rooney v Vincent Kompany. These were just two of the incomparable duels that took place on home soil today with the latter’s quite often declared as some of the finest gems the top tier has to offer. Yet they too – similar to Fellaini’s critics – are still to be found. As the saying goes, they’re somewhere deep in their opponent’s pockets!
City’s midfield counterpart may have the tricky twinkle toes as he graces the middle of the park, but the car can’t function without an engine so to speak as Carrick did for the red half of the city this afternoon. As for Kompany, United left Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria on the side lines but the defender was forced into rash challenges such as that debatable yellow card offence on Daley Blind. Says it all for me.
4. Ashley Young is pivotal
Forget the record transfer fee manning the wings, we have Ashley Young! A sensational shift today saw the 29-year-old not only grab one of his own and having two more attempts also but set up two others (half of todays tally). The Reds’ number 18 too attempted six more balls into the box whilst in unstoppable form and it was well worth a go with a 33 per cent cross accuracy! Old Trafford is a haven for unsuspecting performers this season and it’s safe to say his time with the club isn’t quite over yet.
