Manchester United: What changed in the second half vs City?
By Wyatt Miner
Manchester United fell behind to cross-city rivals Manchester City early in the derby. In the first half, it looked as if United would lose. What changed in the second half?
The first half of the Manchester Derby proved painful for United supporters. For instance, the starting eleven failed to link up in the midfield, and Manchester United looked inferior in terms of possession.
Forced in their own half, United conceded two goals in a short time span. Additionally, Manchester City gained momentum that would carry them out the rest of the half as league champions. However, Mourinho’s half time talk with the squad ignited a fire inside the Red Devils.
The second half of the Manchester Derby looked much different than the first. For example, City did not score a goal in the second half. It looked as if the two teams swapped roles at the half.
Immediately, Manchester United looked the much sharper team. They were connecting passes much more easily, as well as keeping possession of the ball. Manchester City struggled to keep up with United’s creative play.
Also, Alexis Sanchez came alive in the second half, when Manchester United needed him the most. Whether it was an inch-perfect pass or drawing fouls, Sanchez played a role in all of United’s goals.
Paul Pogba made waves in the Manchester Derby as well. Before the derby, Pogba only had three goals on the season. After the derby, Pogba has five total. This season, Pogba’s performances are hit or miss, but scoring twice in under three minutes gives Mourinho something to think about.
Watch match highlights here:
Not only did the outfield make changes at half, but so did David de Gea.
In goal, de Gea looked a much better keeper in the second half when compared to the first. In the first half, City’s two goals would be difficult for any keeper to save. Both of City’s goals came from within 10 yards of the goal. For any keeper, stopping City’s shots would prove near impossible.
In the second half, the Spaniard looked much sharper. As an example, in the dying minutes of the match, a header from Aguero within the 18 yard box looked impossible to save. Somehow, United’s first choice goalkeeper made the stop, keeping Manchester United ahead 2-3.
Next: Derby Day Memories: Manchester City vs Manchester United, 9th December 2012
In the end, the most recent Manchester Derby will go down as a classic. The game had everything, drama, aggression, and most importantly, goals. Manchester City thought early in the game that the title was theirs. However, the Red Devils and Jose Mourinho had much different plans for their rivals.