Manchester derby: Red Devils snaffle up sweet revenge

Manchester derby: Red Devils snaffle up sweet revenge

By Laolu Olugbenga

Manchester United halted a four-game derby losses to Manchester City in a 4-2 win at Old Trafford, and it was a win that underpines just how far the Red Devils have come. United last victory was in November 2012, when Robin Van Persie scored the winner (3 - 2). In April 2013, they were beaten 2-1 by their vociferous neighbours and with power shifting from the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson to David Moyes, it is fair to say United fans had mixed feelings about the upcoming derbies. In Moyes’ first derby, City romped to a 4-1 win over United, their heaviest defeat since the 6 - 1 loss to the Blue side of Manchester in 2011. Moyes angered United fans even further when he said they aspire to be like Manchester City, when it was a known fact that just like every United fan, Sir Alex couldn’t stand the noisy neighbours.

Moyes had another chance for redemption when they faced off at Old Trafford in March. 2014. But in front of their fans, they were crushed 3-0 in what was yet another woeful showing. Not long after, Moyes was fired, much to the relief of United fans. Louis Van Gaal was appointed to succeed the Scotsman, and he took charge of his first derby. The task was made even harder when Chris Smalling needlessly sent himself off, and United went on to lose 1-0.

Van Gaal is a proven manager who has the habit of starting poorly when new into management, but eventually ends up bringing home the goods. It has been the same trends with United, but before the game United were already ahead of the noisy neighbours by a point. Pressure was mounting, and Van Gaal knew he had to deliver.

Fast forward to the match day, and United’s fears were confirmed when City took the lead in the 8th minute through a familiar face in Sergio Aguero. But as the game wore on the jittery fans of the Red Devils began to see the United of old, and Ashley Young equalized six minutes later. And just before the half hour mark, the rejuvenated Marouane Fellaini nodded United in front. Suddenly, the chants from City fans begin to fade. Two became three thanks to Juan Mata, and then the unbelievable happened. Ashley Young’s free kick was headed in by Chris Smalling, and it was 4-1. The result was made respectable by Sergio Aguero late on after Michael Carrick had to limp off injured. With United down to 10 men since Van Gaal had made all three substitutions, City took advantage of the shortfall and Aguero popped up to pull back another goal.

The win means United have reestablished the fact that Manchester is red. It has been a long time since City were outplayed in this manner, and it shows that there’s a lot more to expect from the Red Devils who should not be dined with using short spoons.