The Manchester derby delivered a dramatic climax as Amad Diallo’s late heroics snatched a 2-1 victory for Manchester United, deepening the woes of reigning champions Manchester City. The first half was a cagey affair, punctuated by a lack of creativity and precision from both sides. City’s Josko Gvardiol capitalized on United’s persistent vulnerability to set-pieces, heading in the opener from a short corner in the 36th minute. The second half mirrored the first in its lackluster quality, with United showing slightly more promise but failing to convert their opportunities. The game seemed destined for a narrow City victory until the final minutes, when the match erupted into a frenzy of action.
With just four minutes remaining, Diallo’s persistence paid off as he drew a penalty from Matheus Nunes, allowing Bruno Fernandes to coolly level the score from the spot. The drama didn’t end there, as moments later, Diallo seized upon a long pass, expertly rounded City goalkeeper Ederson, and slotted the ball into the empty net to secure a stunning last-gasp winner for United. The jubilant scenes at the Etihad Stadium underscored the magnitude of the victory for the Red Devils, while City were left reeling from their continued slump.
This triumph marks United’s second league win under new manager Ruben Amorim, lifting them to 12th in the table. For City, the defeat represents a significant setback, leaving them languishing in fifth place, nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool. With only one win in their last 11 matches across all competitions, Pep Guardiola’s side faces mounting pressure to arrest their slide and salvage their season. Their title defense already seems to be hanging by a thread. United’s victory, fueled by Diallo’s individual brilliance, provides a much-needed boost for Amorim, validating his decision to omit established stars like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the squad.
The match unfolded as a tense and largely uneventful encounter until Diallo’s late intervention. United’s susceptibility to set-pieces nearly cost them the game, while their attacking play lacked the cutting edge needed to breach City’s defense. Diallo emerged as United’s most potent threat, culminating in his decisive contributions in the dying embers of the game. His match-winning performance echoed his previous heroics against Liverpool in last season’s FA Cup, solidifying his reputation as a player who thrives in high-pressure situations against formidable opponents.
For City, the defeat compounds their recent struggles, raising serious questions about their ability to compete for major honors this season. Their lack of confidence and cohesion is evident, with even routine victories proving elusive. Guardiola faces a daunting task to revitalize his team and restore their championship-winning form. The January transfer window looms as a potential opportunity for City to bolster their squad and address their deficiencies, but the question remains whether significant investment will be enough to turn their season around.
Amad Diallo’s standout performance earned him the well-deserved accolade of Player of the Match. His constant threat to City’s defense, coupled with his decisive contributions in the form of a penalty won and a stunning winning goal, underlined his impact on the game. While he was not always the most polished player on the field, his effectiveness in crucial moments proved the difference between victory and defeat for United. The match highlights encapsulated the dramatic turnaround in the closing stages, with Gvardiol’s early header seemingly securing the points for City before Diallo’s late intervention. Fernandes’ calmly dispatched penalty brought United level before Diallo’s moment of magic secured a memorable victory for the Red Devils.
