BY OBAFUNSO KAZEEM ROTIMI
First half goals from MARCUS RASHFORD and ANTHONY MARTIAL, was all MANCHESTER UNITED needed to deal a crushing blow to MANCHESTER CITY’S title hopes with a stunning derby win that leaves the defending champions 14 points behind Premier League leaders LIVERPOOL.
RASHFORD opened the scoring from the spot after he was clumsily knocked over by BERNARDO SILVA, with the penalty awarded by video assistant referee Michael Oliver.
The in-form England striker, who has now scored 13 goals in his past 14 games for club and country, hit the bar moments later but United did not have to wait long to extend their lead.
United’s next attack saw DANIEL JAMES find ANTHONY MARTIAL on the right of the area, and he had space to turn and squeeze his shot inside Ederson’s near post to make it 2g goals for United.
City had never trailed by two goals so early in a home league game since PEP GUARDIOLA took charge in 2016 and their fans were left in stunned silence as United’s supporters celebrated noisily at the other end of the stadium.
While the home side finally began to get a grip on the game after that, especially in midfield, the damage was done.
NICOLAS OTAMENDI header from a RIYARD MAHREZ corner however gave the home side a consolatory goal in the 85th minute but it was too little too late.
The game was marred by allegations of racist abuse towards UNITED midfielder FRED in the second half, while there were also reports of objects being thrown at him from the stands.
Both teams play their next Premier League game on Sunday 15 December. UNITED are at home to EVERTON (14:00 GMT) while CITY are away at ARSENAL (16:30 GMT).
