The 2-0 scoreline might suggest a more competitive contest, but in reality, Manchester United got thoroughly outplayed by their city neighbours in another sub-par Old Trafford display.
After the horrors of the Liverpool game, Man United picked up a revitalizing 3-0 away win against Tottenham and secured a point against Atalanta to stay atop their Champion’s League group.
Even though the Red Devils’ performances were far from convincing, it did take some of the pressure away from under fire manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Manchester City, on the contrary, entered the fray suffering a surprise 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in their previous match.
The Citizens desperately needed to win this match to keep the gap with table leaders Chelsea close.
But, Manchester United failed to put up a decent fight against an opposition they have had good results in recent seasons.
United concede early
It took only seven minutes for the visitors to take the lead, as Eric Bailly put the ball on the back of his own net, trying to clear a Joao Cancelo cross.
David de Gea had already made some fine saves before that to keep the score 0-0, but he had no chance to keep out Bailly’s deflection.
City continuously stretched the Man United backline and kept on probing for a second goal. Manchester United’s lack of width held them back from causing significant threats from the counter.
Cristiano Ronaldo did test Ederson with a brilliant attempt later in the first half, but it was far from a clear cut chance from the Portuguese.Â
De Gea made a string of fantastic saves to keep United in the match, but he cannot escape blame for the second goal Man United conceded.
Joao Cancelo sent another threatening delivery inside the United box, which Luke Shaw could have done better to defend.
Ilkay Gundogan managed to get a touch to it, but the goal-bound ball did not have much pace, and it was heading straight towards De Gea.
However, the Spaniard failed to control the ball, and it eventually crossed the goal line.
Sancho fails to impress
Solskjaer once again dropped his expensive summer signing Jadon Sancho from the starting lineup as he went for a 3-5-2 with Mason Greenwood and Cristiano Ronaldo up front.
The Norwegian introduced Sancho in the second half, but he could not do much to destablise the Man City defence.Â
Manchester United did have more possession in the second half, but they could not many quality chances from it.
The best opportunities fell to City, as Phil Foden hit the post and Kevin de Bruyne mishit a close range shot.Â
The home side was lucky not to concede a late penalty as Alex Telles clipped Gabriel Jesus inside the penalty area.
But, the referee waved play on and the VAR did not intervene to change his decision.
Manchester United’s next Premier League challenge will take them to Vicarage Road to face Watford, while Manchester City will welcome Rafa Benitez’s Everton in their next PL fixture.