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Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City: Player ratings

Rating and occasionally slating the combatants at Old Trafford...

Manchester City are back on top of the Premier League after beating neighbours Manchester United 2-0 in their own backyard.

Read on to see how we rated the players...

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Highlights from Manchester City's win over Manchester United in the Premier League

MANCHESTER UNITED

David de Gea - 4

The Spaniard's alarming dip in form continues. De Gea did make an important stop from Raheem Sterling shortly before half-time, but he was beaten at his near post for Bernardo Silva's opening goal and didn't get enough behind Leroy Sane's shot for City's second. "It's a really bad mistake," summarised Sky Sports' Gary Neville. "The goalkeeper has to do better."

Ashley Young - 6

Offered an occasional threat bombing forward from right wing-back, making some dangerous crosses from set pieces and open play, and also battled gamely at the other end. Won possession more times (nine) than any other United player and also made some smart interceptions.

Matteo Darmian - 5

Came into the defence for his first appearance since January and, even more surprisingly, started as the right-sided centre-back in United's back three. The full-back was not entirely comfortable there but did not fare too badly, completing 37 out of 38 passes and making important clearances. Was slow, though, to oppose Sane for City's second goal.

Chris Smalling - 6

Started at the heart of the back three. Repelled City effectively in the first half but found it more difficult after the break. Came out on top in most of his duels and won more tackles than any of his team-mates, but it wasn't enough to stem the blue tide in the second half.

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Chris Smalling and Fred look dejected with Manchester United 2-0 down at home to Manchester City
Image: Chris Smalling and Fred look dejected with Manchester United 2-0 down at home to Manchester City

Victor Lindelof - 6

Made more clearances (five) than any of his team-mates and completed 31 of his 33 passes but, like his defensive team-mates, couldn't stop City from turning the screw after the break.

Luke Shaw - 5

Returned to United's starting line-up having served a two-match suspension. Showed some glimpses of his attacking threat but didn't get close enough to Bernardo Silva for City's opening goal.

Paul Pogba - 6

An improved performance from the under-fire Frenchman, who showed flashes of how dangerous he can be. His diagonal pass for Jesse Lingard's volley in the first half was a highlight and he never stopped trying to make things happen, attempting five shots on goal and creating two chances.

Paul Pogba looks dejected with Manchester United 2-0 down at home to Manchester City
Image: Paul Pogba looks dejected with Manchester United 2-0 down at home to Manchester City

Fred - 4

Charged with shielding United's defence at the base of the midfield but only made one tackle all evening. Seemed to struggle with the pace of the game at times and his passing was slopping too, his 75 per cent accuracy rate the lowest of United's midfield three.

Andreas Pereira - 5

Brought in to add some youthful intensity to United's midfield after their lethargic display against Everton but struggled before his second-half substitution. Booked for a rash challenge on Oleksandr Zinchenko and eventually sacrificed for Romelu Lukaku.

Jesse Lingard - 4

Almost put Marcus Rashford through on goal during one counter-attack in the first half but offered precious little else before his second-half substitution. Sent an inviting volley wide in the early stages and air-kicked from a Rashford cross in the second half.

Jesse Lingard misses a chance to equalise for Manchester United
Image: Jesse Lingard misses a chance to equalise for Manchester United

Marcus Rashford - 5

Appeared determined to put his recent struggles behind him initially, his pace causing Vincent Kompany real problems as he won a string of fouls in the first half, but he faded after the break. His only shot on goal was a first-half effort from more than 30 yards out which flew harmlessly over.

SUBS

Romelu Lukaku - 4

Another disappointing performance from the Belgian after replacing Pereira. A shanked effort which dribbled wide summed up his ineffectiveness.

Alexis Sanchez - n/a

Not on long enough to justify a rating.

Anthony Martial - n/a

Not on long enough to justify a rating.

MANCHESTER CITY

Bernardo Silva celebrates his goal with Sergio Aguero
Image: Bernardo Silva celebrates his goal with Sergio Aguero

Ederson - 8

Came off his line expertly to smother the ball at Rashford's feet early on. Distribution was as strong as ever and his anticipation every time the ball came near him was outstanding.

Oleksandr Zinchenko - 7

Unconvincing before the break and his booking for a late tackle on Young came as no surprise. As City improved after half-time, so did Zinchenko and he deserves his spot in the Premier League side at the moment.

Vincent Kompany - 5

Looked uncomfortable against Marcus Rashford from the off and should already have been booked before he was cautioned on 10 minutes. Really struggled before the break, but delivered a more accomplished display after it.

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Pep Guardiola claims his Manchester City side need to remain calm despite beating rivals Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League

Aymeric Laporte - 7

The best centre-back in City's squad and it showed on the night. Rarely looked troubled, calm personified.

Kyle Walker - 6

Solid enough in defence, if a little wasteful when given the chance to get forward and cross the ball.

Ilkay Gundogan - 6

Not the most glamorous role in the side, yet Gundogan's efforts, especially after Fernandinho went off and he dropped deeper, will be appreciated by his team-mates.

Fernandinho - 7

Did all his usual defensive work with aplomb, including a fantastic clearance from a dangerous United free-kick. Got injured making a vital block when Pogba looked set to pull the trigger at 0-0.

David Silva - 8

Excelled in the biggest game of Man City's season. Composed on the ball, worked hard and kept City ticking over even in a difficult first half. Allowed City to excel after half-time.

Bernardo Silva - 8

Unusually sloppy in the first half, the Portuguese put that right on 52 minutes with a smart finish past De Gea. That gave him confidence to flourish, as did Fernandinho's injury which pushed him deeper.

Bernardo Silva celebrates his opener at Old Trafford
Image: Bernardo Silva celebrates his opener at Old Trafford

Raheem Sterling - 7

Involved in City's best moments before half-time, even if his Midas touch deserted him. Couldn't get a clean contact after working his way into space eight yards from goal. Expertly found Sane for the second goal.

Sergio Aguero - 7

Clipped the outside of the post from 20 yards with his only sight of goal, yet made such an impact going forward. A constant menace and his clever run opened up space for Sane to double the lead.

Sergio Aguero reacts after a missed chance
Image: Sergio Aguero reacts after a missed chance

SUBS:

Leroy Sane - 7

What an impact off the bench. Not trusted from the start in many big games this year, Sane took his chance and scored his tenth and most important goal of the Premier League campaign so far.

Leroy Sane gestures to his team-mates after doubling Manchester City's lead
Image: Leroy Sane gestures to his team-mates after doubling Manchester City's lead

Danilo - n/a

Not on long enough to justify a rating.

Gabriel Jesus - n/a

Not on long enough to justify a rating.

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