Manchester United produced a quite unbelievable comeback to turn a 2-0 half-time deficit into a 3-2 win and deny hated rivals Manchester City the chance to win the Premier League title at the Etihad.
As poor as the Red Devils were in the opening 45 minutes – City’s 2-0 interval advantage was the least they deserved for a rampant display – Jose Mourinho’s men were magnificent in the second 45.
Vincent Kompany – a scorer on this ground against the same opponents as City clinched a maiden Premier League title six years ago – headed the hosts in front, with Ilkay Gundogan turning and firing in a fine second in a rampant first half display.
They should have been home and hosed but a different United showed up for the second half, with Paul Pogba’s 90-second brace leveling the score with 10 minutes of the second half gone.
Chris Smalling then steered in Alexis Sanchez’s curling free-kick to give United the lead. And they withstood the City onslaught as Pep Guardiola’s side were left to wait to lift their trophy.
Bernardo Silva had a day to forget in City’s defeat.
MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3)
Ederson – 6: His excellent distribution fits the mould of a Guardiola keeper. Could do little for either United’s three goals
Danilo – 4: Somehow only received a maiden booking in the closing minutes, when he could easily have collected two much earlier
Vincent Kompany – 6: Remains a huge presence when fit and a scorer of crucial goals for City, but lost his composure as United fought back
Nicolas Otamendi – 5: Untroubled in the first half, seemed to retreat when United charged. Temper ruled his head in a testy second half
Fabian Delph – 6: A player regularly featuring out of position but he never looks out of his depth
Ilkay Gundogan – 7: Stunning pivot and finish offered a glimpse of the huge talent City still haven’t seen the best of
Fernandinho – 5: Supposed to be City’s midfield rock, but regularly gave away possession and showed his frustration when he lashed out at Lingard
David Silva – 7: Was at the heart of everything good that City did, but faded when United turned the tables
Bernardo Silva – 4: Commendable when called upon this season, the Portuguese was anonymous as he struggled in an admittedly alien central striker role
Raheem Sterling – 7: The winger was everywhere. Set up Gundogan for the second, but his busy display was ruined by a hatful of missed chances
Leory Sane – 8: Abysmal at Anfield in the week, the German was the architect of United’s first-half misery, tormenting Antonio Valencia
SUBS:
Kevin De Bruyne – 6: Dictated City’s attacks when he was summoned from the bench, but could not penetrate the red wall
Gabriel Jesus – 6: Thrown on as City feel behind but let the occasion get the better of him
Sergio Aguero – 6: Denied an equaliser by a breathtaking De Gea save
