United's Reserves slipped to a second league defeat of the season as Manchester City edged the derby, thanks to a solitary goal at the Regional Athletics Arena.

City striker Alex Nimely struck the only goal of the game after 20 minutes, latching onto a long ball from Greg Cunnigham and clinically lobbing a finish over stranded United goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler.

United's cause was hindered by the dismissal of Scott Wootton just before the hour-mark, although Febian Brandy did come close to snatching a point for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, only to see his effort cleared off the line.

The hosts started brightly, with Nimely flashing a header just past Zieler's post before he struck the killer blow. United's German youth international had to react smartly to keep out Donal McDermott's low drive, although the Reds did gradually gain a foothold as the game wore on.

The incessant rain continued to add zip to the turf, but United struggled to fashion any clear openings until Brandy, introduced after Wootton was dismissed for a strong challenge on Marshall, had his low effort dramatically cleared by McDermott, with Blues goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen beaten.

City now join United in second place, allowing Liverpool to snatch top spot in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

United: Zieler; De Laet, Evans C, Gill, Dudgeon; Stewart, James, Norwood, Eikrem, Tosic; King.
Substitutes: Devlin, Wootton, Tunnicliffe, Ajose, Brandy.