Manchester United came from behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, with two late goals in four delirious minutes to move to within a point of Pep Guardiola’s side in 2nd place.
City looked to be closing the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal after substitute Jack Grealish headed them in front from Kevin de Bruyne’s cross on the hour, only for United to send their fans into raptures with a superb recovery.
This was a magnificent victory for Erik ten Hag and his side against the champions, their noisy neighbours and the team that has done more than any other to underline their decline in the decade since Ferguson’s departure ended an era.
The game was another personal triumph for Marcus Rashford, who scored the winner in the 82nd minute.
Four minutes earlier, he had had the presence of mind to step aside when he realised he was offside to allow Bruno Fernandes to sweep home United’s equaliser after Jack Grealish had put City in front.
With 12 minutes remaining, United controversially tied the game when Bruno Fernandes scored despite Marcus Rashford being in an offside position.
City’s protestations that Rashford had interfered with play were dismissed despite the flag being raised.
Four minutes later, Rashford played a key role once more as he swept in Alejandro Garnacho’s cross at the Stretford End to pull United to within one point of City, who are still five points behind Arsenal.Rashford has now scored eight goals in seven games and in nine home games in a row.
He becomes the first Man United player to score in seven consecutive games since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
He becomes the first United player to score in each of his last nine appearances at Old Trafford, since Teddy Sheringham in November 2000.
After nine straight victories, the Red Devils have now matched their longest winning streak across all competitions since Sir Alex Ferguson left.
Ferguson was also watching from the stands.United have lost only once in 19 games since a 6-3 defeat by City at the Etihad in early October.
Ten Hag’s side has come a long, long way since then.Manchester United’s next game is away to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday, Ten Hag’s side then face a huge clash at Arsenal on Sunday.
While Manchester City’s next outing is a crucial home game against Tottenham in the Premier League on Thursday.
