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City 3-1 United. Five Matters Arising From The Etihad Crash.



Manchester United were hosted by neighbours Manchester City for the first El-Manchesco derby of the season. 
The Citizens came out on top with a 3-1 victory, with United's sole goal coming from Anthony Martial's spot kick.


Here are five(5) Matters Arising from this clash:

1. NO POGBA, NO PARTY
United were given a dirty slap when rumours about Paul Ikenna Pogba's injury were confirmed by his absence in the matchday squad.

The Frenchman is easily United's best player and most confident on the ball, and single-handedly turned things around in United's 3-2 come back Victory at Etihad in April.

As expected, the Red Devils failed to create anything from midfield, and ended up opting for 'anywhere-bele-face' football and hoped for the best for 90mins.

2. SLOW START 'WAHALA'
Another day, another slow start for United, another punishment given.
The Red devils entered the match yet again with their push and start football, hoping to continue the trend of comeback football, but everyday is not Christmas.

To add pepper to the injury, the Red Devils entered the second half with the same slow tempo, and received another lash in their behind with a well worked goal by Aguero .

Where are we to run to be delivered from this mess?

3. MIDFIELD 'KPALAVA'
United started the Derby with a midfield trio of Matic, Fellaini and Herrera.

Herrera turned in with one of his worst performances in a united shirt; losing possession in dangerous positions countless times, failing to man-mark David Silva and was duly subbed in the 72nd minute.

Matic on the other hand  continued his poor form in recent weeks, failing the read the game with any form of intelligence while taking too many needless  touches when better options were presented.
 May need some deliverance in 'Bench ministries'.

4. WRONG MOVE BY MOURINHO
With United seemingly falling apart at 2-1, the Portuguese manager decided to apply the same formula which worked wonders at Juventus; bringing on Juan Mata.

The manager got his mathematics wrong this time, as Nemanja Matic who was already having a bad game was left isolated in midfield against Fernandinho, Bernardo Silva and Gundogan. 

United barely touched the ball following Mata's entry, and ended the game chasing the like Tom chasing Jerry.

5. WHERE IS MARCUS 'RASHIDI-YEKINI'?
The youngster has gone from single-handedly winning big games with his goals, to running with full aim and purpose to dump the ball in front of linesmen....(like Pius Ikedia).

What has happened to our Marcus 'Rashidi-Yekini'?

Does he need a longer run in the first team? Does he need deliverance in bench ministry? Is he being affected by José's coaching methods?

IN THE END, it was a Derby day to forget. United ended the game only 1 shot on target; Anthony's Martial's penalty.
In Naija language we would say "Wahala dey oh"

OPINION POLL
Did Paul Pogba's absence decide the outcome of this match?
Let's have your thoughts.






 GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED.

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