Analysis: Manchester City 2 Manchester United 3

Premier League, Sunday 9th December 2012

The battle of Manchester resulted in a 3-2 win for United, and it certainly made its mark on the outcome of this season’s war. The Reds now have a six point gap at the top of the table after a victory that came from Rooney and van Persie goals. Here’s some brief analysis on the fixture:

Intensity

There was a fire about United that dragged them to this victory. When talking about intensity, United’s midfield is often condemned as lacking energy and dynamism. This intensity against City was more than midfield mobility however. It was a hunger in every player, a desire to fight for every ball combined with a rigorous passion to concentrate on the task at hand.
The intensity in this game was typified by Danny Welbeck’s late ball-winning challenge that led to van Persie’s goal-scoring free-kick. The young Englishman showed a disciplined longing to win the ball for his side which paid dividends.
This winning intensity has been absent in many United performances this season in which the Reds have conceded goals and looked bereft of enthusiasm. It also was the same intensity however that has brought United back from the brink on many occasions; a delightful passion.

Counter attack

Tactically, Sir Alex Ferguson was rewarded for bravery and intelligence. The 4-4-1-1 counter-attacked brilliantly against City, with every role playing its part well. The back four were purposeful and superior in their defending, with the full-backs contributing significantly to attack. The wide positions were sources of joy for United, and Young and Valencia did well to stretch City. Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley in midfield were quick-witted and clever in their play, Rooney was dangerous in a forward role, and van Persie was sublime in linking the play and holding up the ball.
The set-up had flaws. United’s attacking full-backs left gaps which City exposed to good effect in the second-half. The Reds were however saved from being punished more in these positions due to excellent one-on-one defender from the centre-backs.

Going Forward

This was a fantastic team-performance from United. Each player played his part superbly, eventually culminating in a well-earned three points, and defeat of their closest rivals. This big match performance will not be repeated every week, but was a reminder of United’s capabilities. Sitting pretty at the top of the table, Sir Alex Ferguson, the team, and the fans, will be relishing the challenges that lie ahead.

Ratings

[4-4-1-1]: De Gea-8, Rafael-8, Ferdinand-8, Evans-8, Evra-7, Valencia-6, Carrick-8, Cleverley-7, Young-8, Rooney-9*, van Persie-8
(Smalling-8, Jones-6, Welbeck-7)
*Man of the match