In a stunning performance at Old Trafford on wet Sunday afternoon, Manchester United came from a goal down to overthrow champions and fierce rivals Manchester City, registering a thumping 4-2 win.
While United did go into the contest as the form team after winning five on the bounce, but their recent record in the Manchester derby was a definite question-mark. The Old Trafford outfit had lost the last four derbies and had failed to win at home in four years.
Nevertheless, the United players showed immense belief and courage as they outclassed City, with Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling the scorers. Others including Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney also had good games, but who really was the stand out performer of the game? Leta s find out..
Manchester United
David de Gea a 6.5
Helpless for both the goals that his side conceded, De Gea didna t have an awful lot to do in the game. The Spaniard, who has been Uniteda s star performer this campaign, provided a stunning long ball to Marouane Fellaini that eventually led to that all important equaliser for United.
Antonio Valencia a 7.5
He may have been a winger and someone who looked out of sorts at the right back position in previous seasons, but this season Valencia has grown into that role. The Ecuadorian was brilliant both defensively and when asked to go forward to support Juan Mata. One particular piece of defending when he stopped Sergio Aguero from finding an unmarked David Silva in the box was impressive to say the least.
Chris Smalling a 8
Apart from his professionally taken goal, Smalling, who was sent off in the last Manchester derby, was superb at the back. He looked composed in possession, bringing the ball out well, making Michael Carricka s job easier.
Phil Jones a 7
While he received a huge standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd, Jones wasna t one of Uniteda s best performers on the day. Although he did make a couple of crucial tackles and interceptions, he gave the ball away far too cheaply in defensive positions, inviting unnecessary pressure.
Daley Blind a 6.5
For three games, experts expected Blinda s lack of pace to be exposed on the left hand side of defence. On Sunday, thata s exactly what happened as Jesus Navas went past him and the Dutchman just wasna t able to recover.
Michael Carrick a 8
Another top performance from Michael Carrick saw him boss the midfield alongside midfield partner Ander Herrera. Carricka s ball distribution and defensive work were both top notch. His absence was more than visible when he was forced off due to injury.
Ander Herrera a 7
While he was brilliant the previous week vs Aston Villa, Herrera wasna t as good as he was against the Villans. Despite a few careless passes, however, Herrera combined well with compatriot Mata and Antonio Valencia several times through the game. The former Bilbao man produced a brilliant cross that led to Ashley Younga s equaliser.
Juan Mata a 8
Another top performance from the former Chelsea man saw him distributing the ball well from the left hand side of the pitch. In a breathtaking match, he was one of the few players on the pitch who played the game with composure. He was once again ruthless in front of goal, much in the same way as he was against Liverpool.
Marouane Fellaini a 9
The man who at one point in time didna t look like a United player was once again the one who made the biggest impact. The Belgian was a ball winning machine and bossed Yaya Toure who was given the task of marking the former Everton man. Apart from scoring the goal, Fellaini played a part in two other United goals.
Ashley Young a 9
A goal and an assist from another player who has been virtually unplayable in recent weeks. Young deserved the luck in finding that crucial equaliser for United as much as he deserved the Barclays man of the match award.
Wayne Rooney a 7
While he never quite made the impact that Aguero made for City, United lone forward did play a part in Mataa s goal, providing an inch perfect through ball for the Spaniard.
Manchester City
Joe Hart – 6
He may feel a bit disappointed about letting that Fellaini goal go in, but Joe Hart wasna t at fault for any other. Produced a good save off a Wayne Rooney freekick in the second half.
Pablo Zabeleta a 3
Usually one player who torments United, Zabeleta had a forgetful afternoon on the right hand side of defence. Was directly responsible for allowing two crosses into the box which led to Uniteda s first and second goals.
Vincent Kompany a 4
Kompanya s poor form continued and that hamstring injury may have saved him from an embarrassing afternoon. The Belgian made a wild challenge on Daley Blind towards the end of the first half and should have been sent off.
Martin Demichelis a 4
A good header of the ball, Demichelis should have been marking Fellaini all along. As one of the most experienced players on the pitch, he needed to organise a stunned City defense but failed to impose himself.
Gael Clichy a 4
While he was unlucky in Uniteda s first goal, Clichy never looked in sync with the pace of the match. Made several late challenges on Mata and Valencia, but was never shown the yellow card. Allowed Fellaini a free header on the back post for the second goal.
Fernandinho a 5
Difficult to understand what Fernandinho is doing in this City team. Had no impact on the match, failed to break any United play and was outwitted by Herrera and Co on several occasions.
Yaya Toure a 4
Usually Citya s go to man in Manchester derbies, Toure was anonymous on Sunday. Was out thought by Michael Carrick and outmuscled by Fellaini.
Jesus Navas a 6
Made a few interesting runs and left Daley Blind for dead early on in the game. United, however, reacted well to Navasa threat and made sure that he was kept under wraps.
James Milner a 5
Started brightly well, but faded away as Herrera and Carrick started operating things in the middle of the pitch. Just wasna t able to do a job on Carrick as asked by manager Manuel Pellegrini.
David Silva a 6
In a battle between two left footed creative Spanish midfielders, Mata shone while Silva fizzled out after an early blemish. While he did assist Agueroa s opening goal, he cut a frustrated figure on the left hand side of attack, unable to influence proceedings as much as he would have liked.
Sergio Aguero a 8
Scored two simple goals to end his long run without scoring a goal, but wasna t as lethal as he can be. Had a few other half chances where he failed to make the right decision or apply the right touch.
Elaquim Mangala a 3
Another staggeringly poor display from the 24-year-old summed up his first season in English football. Left Wayne Rooney in acres of space as he found a simple pass for Mata who scored that third goal for United.
