Manchester United 1 Manchester City 3
Manchester United endured a chastening derby in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, as Manchester City took command of the tie with a 3-1 lead to take back to the Etihad Stadium from Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side suffered a torrid opening half to put hopes of playing in a Wembley final in grave doubt as Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and an Andreas Pereira own goal in the first 38 minutes rocked the Reds.
There was at least a glimmer of hope for the second leg across town on 29 January, when Marcus Rashford pulled one back in the second half - the fourth derby goal of his career so far.
There was at least a glimmer of hope for the second leg across town on 29 January, when Marcus Rashford pulled one back in the second half - the fourth derby goal of his career so far.
The derby in images
GalleryThese are the standout photos from our Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Old Trafford.
United started in threatening mood, forcing Pep Guardiola to juggle his tactics at the back a couple of times with the Blues switching between a three-man defence and then a conventional four-man rearguard. But City soon began to rack up the possession stats and that quickly converted into the opening strike.
Bernardo Silva gathered the ball around 25 yards from goal, cut inside and then unleashed a curling left-footed shot that David De Gea had no chance of stopping as it ripped into his top right-hand corner of the net in front of a distraught Stretford End.
The Reds had ripped the Blues to shreds in the first half at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League last month but were unable to get into the action this time on home territory. It was a frustrating first half as the United players had to be content with chasing City bodies all over the pitch, without being able to enjoy any meaningful time on the ball themselves.
Bernardo Silva gathered the ball around 25 yards from goal, cut inside and then unleashed a curling left-footed shot that David De Gea had no chance of stopping as it ripped into his top right-hand corner of the net in front of a distraught Stretford End.
The Reds had ripped the Blues to shreds in the first half at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League last month but were unable to get into the action this time on home territory. It was a frustrating first half as the United players had to be content with chasing City bodies all over the pitch, without being able to enjoy any meaningful time on the ball themselves.
City extended their lead after 33 minutes as Mendy hoofed a clearance upfield and opening scorer Bernardo slid the ball just past Victor Lindelof's stretching efforts to cut out the killer pass. Riyad Mahrez received it and skipped around De Gea to make it 2-0.
The night got worse as the Blues grabbed a third goal in the 38th minute. When a rare United attack broke down, the visitors stormed forward and although Brandon Williams bust a gut to try to stop the counter, the ball went to Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian's initial shot was saved by De Gea but then deflected into his own net by Andreas Pereira as he raced back desperately to cover.
Solskjaer brought on Nemanja Matic for the second half in place of Jesse Lingard and the Reds at least offered up a response, albeit with limited chances - a free-kick from Rashford failed to trouble Claudio Bravo in City’s goal.
The night got worse as the Blues grabbed a third goal in the 38th minute. When a rare United attack broke down, the visitors stormed forward and although Brandon Williams bust a gut to try to stop the counter, the ball went to Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian's initial shot was saved by De Gea but then deflected into his own net by Andreas Pereira as he raced back desperately to cover.
Solskjaer brought on Nemanja Matic for the second half in place of Jesse Lingard and the Reds at least offered up a response, albeit with limited chances - a free-kick from Rashford failed to trouble Claudio Bravo in City’s goal.
But United's skipper for the night added to his goal haul against the neighbours in the 70th minute. City gave the ball away as substitute Angel Gomes closed down Rodri and the Reds punished the error with a swift attack, Rashford clinically finishing off Mason Greenwood’s assist to add some late spice to the first leg.
Anthony Martial came on in the 81st minute as the Reds looked to attempt to give us more than a fighting chance in the second leg at the Etihad. There would be no further goals on the night however and United will be looking for at least two more in the tie when the sides meet again towards the end of this month.
Anthony Martial came on in the 81st minute as the Reds looked to attempt to give us more than a fighting chance in the second leg at the Etihad. There would be no further goals on the night however and United will be looking for at least two more in the tie when the sides meet again towards the end of this month.
MATCH DETAILS
United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Jones, Lindelof, Williams, Fred, Andreas, James (Gomes 64), Lingard (Matic 45), Rashford (C), Greenwood (Martial 81)
Subs not used: Romero, Dalot, Chong, Mata
Goal: Rashford 70.
Bookings: Lingard, Fred, Williams.
Man City: Bravo, Walker, Otamendi, Fernandinho (C), Mendy, Rodrigo, Gundogan, Mahrez (Foden 86), De Bruyne (Jesus 79), Bernardo, Sterling
Subs not used: Ederson, Aguero, Silva, Cancelo, E Garcia
Goals: Bernardo 16, Mahrez 33, Andreas own goal 38.
Bookings: Rodrigo, Walker
Attendance: 69,023.
United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Jones, Lindelof, Williams, Fred, Andreas, James (Gomes 64), Lingard (Matic 45), Rashford (C), Greenwood (Martial 81)
Subs not used: Romero, Dalot, Chong, Mata
Goal: Rashford 70.
Bookings: Lingard, Fred, Williams.
Man City: Bravo, Walker, Otamendi, Fernandinho (C), Mendy, Rodrigo, Gundogan, Mahrez (Foden 86), De Bruyne (Jesus 79), Bernardo, Sterling
Subs not used: Ederson, Aguero, Silva, Cancelo, E Garcia
Goals: Bernardo 16, Mahrez 33, Andreas own goal 38.
Bookings: Rodrigo, Walker
Attendance: 69,023.
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