Manchester Utd
Manchester City
Match Commentary
Manchester Utd vs Manchester City Match Overview: 2-0 Premier League
Old Trafford lived for the moments that don’t show up in possession charts. In a derby shaped by nerve, timing and ruthless transitions, Manchester Utd beat Manchester City 2-0 on 17 January 2026, turning long spells without the ball into a night of clarity and conviction. Bryan Mbeumo struck first on the break, Patrick Dorgu finished a stunning second, and City’s late scramble even saw a Manchester United third chalked off after VAR. The Manchester Utd vs Manchester City Result will read like a clean sheet and a comfortable margin, but the story was sharper: United’s discipline and incision against City’s control.
For anyone searching the Manchester Utd vs Manchester City Score, it ended 2-0. For those wanting the Manchester Utd vs Manchester City Highlights, it was a derby of woodwork, disallowed goals, Donnarumma heroics, and a second-half surge that finally matched United’s threat with end product.
First Half
Manchester City began with the familiar rhythm, circulating possession and probing wide, but Manchester Utd’s early intent was unmistakable. Inside three minutes Harry Maguire rose to meet a corner and rattled the crossbar, a warning shot that jolted the stadium into belief. United were happy to defend compactly and spring forward, and when Bruno Fernandes found pockets to feed Amad Diallo and Mbeumo, City’s back line suddenly looked vulnerable to straight, vertical running.
Donnarumma set the tone for his evening with sharp interventions, racing off his line to smother a Fernandes thread for Mbeumo and then producing a glorious save to deny Dorgu after the winger controlled a lofted cross and struck with real venom. City’s best moments came through set pieces and quick combinations around the box: Bernardo Silva’s header flew just over, and Max Alleyne forced a miraculous stop with a towering attempt from a corner.
The half also carried a layer of controversy that tightened every touch. Manchester Utd thought they had broken through twice, only for VAR to tear away the celebrations. Amad Diallo had a goal ruled out for offside in the build-up, then Bruno Fernandes saw another effort disallowed after a second review. City had the ball, United had the bite, and the derby went into the break goalless with the sense that one clean counter could decide it.
- Maguire’s early header crashed off the bar, setting a ferocious tone.
- Donnarumma’s outstanding save denied Dorgu from close range.
- Two Manchester Utd goals were disallowed after VAR offside checks, turning delight into disbelief.
- City threatened from corners, with Alleyne’s header brilliantly saved.
Second Half
Pep Guardiola rolled the dice at the interval, introducing Rayan Cherki and Nico O’Reilly, and Manchester City tried to turn control into incision. There was a brief spell where Haaland looked ready to impose himself, seeing one effort blocked in the box before snapping a strike from distance that tested United’s defensive line more than the goalkeeper.
But the derby’s decisive swing arrived when Manchester Utd began to land their counters with precision. Amad’s movement dragged defenders, Fernandes started to pick the first pass earlier, and Mbeumo’s running became the outlet City couldn’t fully cage. Just after the hour, Donnarumma somehow kept City alive with a stunning double save, denying Amad and then Casemiro from the rebound. It felt like a turning point—until United simply came again.
On 65 minutes, the breakthrough finally matched the pattern United were building. Fernandes released Mbeumo into space during a rapid transition, and the forward finished first time from close range to make it 1-0. City responded with changes and more possession, but the chances didn’t follow. United, by contrast, looked increasingly dangerous whenever they broke the press.
The killer blow arrived at 76 minutes and it was pure derby theatre. Matheus Cunha, on as a substitute, created the opening and Patrick Dorgu did the rest—volleying brilliantly, the ball kissing the post on its way in for 2-0. The stadium roared not just for the finish, but for what it represented: a night where United’s plan wasn’t cautious, it was calculated.
Late on, City pushed, Cherki swung corners into a crowded box, and United even thought they had a third when Mason Mount tucked away a Cunha pass on the counter. VAR intervened again, ruling it offside, and the final minutes carried a flicker of tension. Yet when the whistle went, Manchester City had managed just one shot on target, and Manchester Utd’s control without the ball had been complete.
- Mbeumo opened the scoring after a lightning counter, finishing Fernandes’ pass first time.
- Donnarumma’s double save kept City in it—briefly—denying Amad and Casemiro.
- Dorgu’s sensational volley made it 2-0, assisted by substitute Cunha.
- Mount’s stoppage-time goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
- Amad hit the post late as United threatened to run away with it.
Manchester Utd vs Manchester City Stats Breakdown
This Premier League match report is a reminder that domination of the ball doesn’t guarantee domination of the game. Manchester City had 68% possession, but Manchester Utd owned the danger. The Manchester Utd vs Manchester City Stats underline it: United generated 2.27 xG to City’s 0.45, and won the shots-on-target battle 7-1. United also created the clearer openings, registering six big chances to City’s zero, while Donnarumma was forced into five saves as City’s control repeatedly met a red wall and a ruthless counter.
In full-time analysis terms, the contrast was stark. City had more touches in the opposition box (35 to 21) and more corners (6 to 1), but their final actions lacked punch, with United’s centre-backs and midfield screen reading crossings and second balls well. The xG on target numbers (1.75 to 0.31) further support the eye test: when Manchester Utd shot, it was with purpose and proximity; when Manchester City shot, it was mostly from less threatening angles.
For the Manchester Utd vs Manchester City Analysis, the key was how United turned defensive work into forward momentum. Fernandes’ passing was the trigger, Mbeumo’s directness was the spearhead, and Cunha’s cameo provided the extra burst that finished the contest.
Manchester Utd vs Manchester City Lineups
Manchester Utd XI (4-2-3-1): Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Bryan Mbeumo.
Manchester City XI (4-1-4-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Max Alleyne, Nathan Aké; Rodri; Antoine Semenyo, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jérémy Doku; Erling Haaland.
Substitutes used: Manchester Utd: Matheus Cunha for Mbeumo; Manuel Ugarte for Casemiro; Ayden Heaven for Shaw; Mason Mount for Fernandes. Manchester City: Rayan Cherki for Foden; Nico O’Reilly for Alleyne; Tijjani Reijnders for Bernardo Silva; Rayan Aït-Nouri for Doku; Divine Mukasa for Haaland.
Player of the Match
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester Utd). On a night where Manchester Utd needed precision more than possession, Fernandes delivered the defining pass for the opener and kept finding the angles that made City’s control feel fragile. His influence was also felt in the moments that didn’t count on the scoreboard—two VAR decisions denied him and his teammates—but the authority of his play never dipped.
What the Result Means
The Manchester Utd vs Manchester City Match Report will be remembered as a derby where Manchester Utd made their plan real: suffer together, spring forward together, and punish City when the spaces appeared. For Manchester City match today conversations, the concern is less about territory and more about cutting edge—one shot on target and no big chances is a rare statistical blank for a Guardiola side.
For Manchester Utd match today reflections, this felt like a statement of maturity. The scoreline didn’t come from chaos; it came from structure, bravery in transition, and clinical finishing when the game finally opened. In the table, results like this can swing momentum for weeks, and the confidence from shutting out City will travel into the next fixtures with real weight.
The referee blows for the end of today's match.
90+6'
Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) launches an inaccurate corner kick into the penalty area.
90+5'
Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) fails to find any of his teammates inside the box as his pass is blocked. The ball is out of play. Manchester City will have a chance to score from a corner.
90+5'
The referee looks satisfied after his VAR review and duly disallows the goal for offside. The Manchester Utd players look gutted.
90+4'
Houston, we have a problem! The referee has indicated that there will be a VAR review of the goal to look at a possible offside. The Manchester Utd players aren’t happy.
90+2'
GOAL! Matheus Cunha finds himself with the ball at his feet in space after a lightning counter attack. He looks and up slides the ball to Mason Mount (Manchester United), who coolly slots the ball past the keeper from close in. It’s 3:0.
90+1'
The attendance for today's match is 74004.
90+1'
Here is a change. Bruno Fernandes is going off and Michael Carrick gives the last tactical orders to Mason Mount (Manchester United).
90+1'
The referee stops play so that a substitution can be made and Ayden Heaven (Manchester United) replaces Luke Shaw.
90'
There will be a minimum of 5 min. of added time.
90'
Amad Diallo (Manchester United) weaves through the defence with ease and gets into a good position in front of goal. He pulls the trigger in an effort to beat the keeper, but fails as the ball hits the right post and ricochets away.
89'
A cross from Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City) fails to reach the box as the defence clears the ball away to safety.
89'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) sends a cross into the box, but Gianluigi Donnarumma comes off his line to gather the ball.
87'
What a poor attempt! Rico Lewis (Manchester City) drives another shot towards goal - this time from further out, but it couldn't have been worse if he had shot blindfolded. The ball goes into the stands.
87'
The offside statistics – 5:1.
86'
Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United) finds himself beyond the last defender, but the game is stopped by the referee after the linesman signals for offside.
84'
Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City) tries to find Rayan Ait Nouri, but he puts too much power on the pass. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Manchester Utd.
83'
The ball is cleared after Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) attempted to dribble past an opposing player.
81'
Nathan Ake (Manchester City) is offside and the linesman raises his flag.
81'
Here comes a substitution. Casemiro is given a rest as he is replaced by Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United).
80'
Pep Guardiola has decided to make a change. Divine Mukasa (Manchester City) replaces Erling Haaland.
80'
Pep Guardiola decides to make a substitution. Jeremy Doku will be replaced by Rayan Ait Nouri (Manchester City).
80'
The substitution is prepared. Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City) joins the action as a substitute, replacing Bernardo Silva.
80'
Casemiro (Manchester United) is penalised for holding. Anthony Taylor signals a set piece. A free kick to Manchester City.
78'
Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) sends a pass into the box, but the opposition's defence is alert to the danger and makes a clearance.
76'
2 - 0
Sensational! Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United) shows off his superb ability as he volleys the ball from inside the box onto the right post and in the net. The assist goes to Matheus Cunha and the score changes to 2:0.
75'
Rico Lewis (Manchester City) gives the referee no choice but to show him a yellow card.
72'
Rico Lewis (Manchester City) flights in the cross, but the defender is alert and clears to safety.
71'
Here's the change. Bryan Mbeumo leaves the pitch and Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) comes on as a substitute.
70'
Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) sends a wonderful cross from the corner kick. However, the defence works perfectly to clear the ball and avert the threat.
70'
Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) whips in the resulting set piece but it's cleared. The ball goes out of play. Manchester City are awarded a corner kick.
69'
Anthony Taylor blows his whistle after Amad Diallo (Manchester United) brings one of his opponents down with a strong tackle. There is a free kick near the sideline to Manchester City.
68'
Amad Diallo (Manchester United) connects with a pass inside the box, but his effort goes well wide of the left post.
67'
The total number of attempts is 9:6. 6:1 – this is the current number of shots on target.
65'
1 - 0
GOAL! Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) runs onto a pass from Bruno Fernandes after great counter attacking play and hits a fine first-time shot into the net from close range. It’s now 1:0.
63'
Anthony Taylor blows his whistle for a foul after Harry Maguire (Manchester United) hacks down one of his opponents. Manchester City have a free kick.
63'
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) hammers a powerful first-time shot from close range, sending the ball towards the right side of the target, but the goalkeeper stops it with a miraculous save.
63'
Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United) sprays a pass out to Patrick Dorgu, but he can't beat his man inside the box.
61'
A pass by Rico Lewis (Manchester City) ends up in no man's land, and the attacking effort comes to an end.
59'
Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United) swings a cross into the box, but it's far too close to Gianluigi Donnarumma, who smothers the ball.
57'
Great save! Amad Diallo (Manchester United) had time and space inside the box after picking up a neat pass, but his shot towards the right side of the goal was brilliantly saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Casemiro (Manchester United) attempts to turn the rebound in from close range. Nevertheless, the goalkeeper pulls off a stunning save and stops the ball from hitting the net. Great goalkeeping.
56'
The defence had a hard time blocking out the strike from Erling Haaland (Manchester City). He didn't hesitate and finished from outside the box right after he had received a pass from his teammate.
54'
Senne Lammens leaps to intercept the corner kick from Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
54'
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) receives a neat pass inside the box and instantly thumps the ball goalward, but a defender makes a last ditch block to deny him. Manchester City have been awarded a corner kick. The referee and one of his assistants both point at the corner flag.
52'
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) swings in a cross, but the ball is cleared to safety by one of the defending players.
51'
Manchester City seem to be finding their feet as they enjoy some possession. They are waiting for the right moment to create new attacking opportunities.
50'
A crossfield pass from Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) fails to find any of his teammates.
49'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) fails to deliver a decent cross from a long-range free kick. The opposition's defence intercepts the effort.
48'
This yellow card was deserved. The tackle by Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City) was quite harsh and Anthony Taylor didn't hesitate to show him a yellow card.
46'
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) tries to find Patrick Dorgu, but he puts too much power on the through ball.
46'
The teams are back out for the second half and here is a change on the pitch. Pep Guardiola gives a chance to Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden (Manchester City) is off.
46'
The game is over for Max Alleyne (Manchester City). Nico O'Reilly comes on for the second half.
46'
The half-time break is over and the second half is about to start.
45+3'
The end of the first half.
45+2'
The game is interrupted. Rodri (Manchester City) is given a yellow card. He has to be more careful now.
45'
2 additional min. will be played.
45'
Manchester City players are exchanging short passes with one another, waiting for the right moment to beat the opposition's defence.
43'
Bryan Mbeumo receives a sweet cross inside the box from Luke Shaw (Manchester United), but one of the defenders rushes in bravely to intercept the ball.
42'
Celebrations are cut short for Manchester Utd as the referee indicates NO GOAL after the VAR review shows it was offside!
41'
Possible change! There could be offside in the lead up. Referee Anthony Taylor wants to look at it, so he’s going to review using VAR.
41'
GOAL DISALLOWED! Controversy and anger as Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) has a goal ruled out, incredibly, for offside.
39'
Rodri links up with Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), who fires just wide of the left post from the edge of the box.
38'
Manchester City are seeing far more of the ball now.
37'
What a great chance for Max Alleyne (Manchester City). He times his jump superbly when he leaps high to meet a precise cross from the corner, directing his towering header inside the right post, but the goalkeeper denies him with a miraculous save.
36'
Phil Foden (Manchester City) is heading toward the corner flag to take the set piece.
35'
Anthony Taylor blows his whistle and it's Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) who is penalised for an offensive foul. Good decision by the referee.
34'
Here comes the VAR verdict. NO GOAL for Manchester Utd due to an offside in the build-up play.
34'
Attention! Referee Anthony Taylor straight away wants to review previous situation with VAR, presumably for a possible offside in the build-up.
33'
A goal, which was scored by Amad Diallo (Manchester United), was disallowed due to offside.
32'
Bryan Mbeumo nearly gets in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper after a defence-splitting pass from Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), but one of the defenders makes a clearance to snuff out the chance.
32'
The current number of shots on target for both teams is 4:2. The up-to-date shots on target statistics – 2:0.
31'
Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) takes a shot from the edge of the box, but it's not a big threat for the goalkeeper as his effort is blocked by a defender.
30'
Amad Diallo (Manchester United) goes on a solo run, but he fails to create a chance as an opposition player blocks him.
28'
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) wins some space for himself around the penalty spot and manages to produce a promising header. One of the defenders stops his effort before it gets to the goalkeeper, making him redundant.
27'
Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) looks to break free, but an opposing player clears the ball away.
25'
The resulting corner from Phil Foden (Manchester City) is cleared by the opposition's defence.
25'
Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) sends a pass into the box, but his attempt is thwarted and cleared. The ball goes out of play and Manchester City have been awarded a corner kick.
23'
Luke Shaw (Manchester United) sends a teasing cross into the area, but Gianluigi Donnarumma intercepts the ball.
23'
Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) slips past one challenge, but is unable to feed a low pass into the path of one of his teammates. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Manchester Utd.
22'
Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United) latches on to a precise lofted cross inside the box, controls the ball and unleashes a fine strike towards the left post. His dangerous effort is blocked by Gianluigi Donnarumma, who makes a glorious save!
21'
Amad Diallo (Manchester United) finds himself in an offside position and the referee stops play after the linesman raises his flag.
19'
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) tries to find Amad Diallo, but he puts too much power on the pass. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Manchester City.
17'
Luke Shaw (Manchester United) has tested the patience of referee Anthony Taylor and goes into the book for a previous late challenge.
16'
The ratio of the ball possession is 37:63.
15'
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) is first to a cross from Antoine Semenyo and thunders in a great header at goal from near the penalty spot that flies just over the bar.
14'
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) is clearly in an offside position and the linesman raises his flag.
13'
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) attempts to find Phil Foden with a delicate little through ball from inside the box, but one of the defending players makes a timely intervention.
12'
Phil Foden (Manchester City) floats the free kick into the box, but it's easily cleared by the first man.
11'
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) can count himself lucky for not being sent off after only receiving a caution from the referee.
9'
Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) takes the corner, but it's intercepted by the defender.
9'
Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) fails to send a pass into the box as his effort is cut out. The ball goes out for a corner. Manchester City can continue in their attacking effort.
8'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) threads a pass through the eye of a needle into the box for Bryan Mbeumo, but Gianluigi Donnarumma displays great awareness to stop him.
7'
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) gets to the rebound outside the penalty box and unleashes a low shot from long range towards the middle of the net, but Gianluigi Donnarumma makes a comfortable save to stop the effort.
6'
Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) races towards goal but the defender gets back well to make a challenge.
5'
Referee Anthony Taylor sees the trip by Amad Diallo (Manchester United) and doesn't hesitate to blow his whistle.
3'
Harry Maguire (Manchester United) sees his header crash off the crossbar after meeting a corner kick inside the six-yard box. The goalkeeper would have been helpless.
3'
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) will deliver the corner kick.
3'
Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United) sends a beautiful cross into the penalty area, but the opposition's defence manages to clear the ball to safety. The referee blows his whistle, Manchester Utd are awarded a corner kick.
2'
Harry Maguire (Manchester United) plays a terrific long ball forward to Bryan Mbeumo, but he can't beat his man and the move breaks down. The ball goes out of play and Manchester City will have a goal kick.
1'
Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) feels very aggrieved after the referee stops play for a foul that he commits while heading towards goal with the ball.
1'
Today's match has just started, enjoy the game!
The players are on the pitch and Manchester City will have the kick-off.
Anthony Taylor is the one to supervise the game today.
Show lineups
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