With the title almost slipping away from their grabs, Manchester United on Sunday kept the title race alive as they defeated league leaders and city rivals Manchester City 2-0 to cut the gap down to 11 points. Prior to this game United had not won a single "Big Six" fixture in the league this season.
City who had a perfect year so far, had not tasted defeat since November and were on a 28 game unbeaten run whereas United had struggled in recent weeks with 4 draws out of 5 games, damaging their hopes.
All of City's game plan went to waste, as they conceded a penalty inside the first 33 seconds when Gabriel Jesus brought down Anthony Martial. There was no chance of missing from the spot, as set piece specialist Bruno Fernandes tucked it away to give United the lead inside 101 seconds of the game. This was the third fastest goal in the Manchester Derby, after David Beckham's goal inside 90 second for United and Edin Dzeko's goal inside 34 seconds for City.
It turned out to be one of those days when City tried everything they hard but couldn't find a goal. United on the other hand, kept up their counter attacking game very well and caused all sorts of trouble for the city backline.
In the second half, moments before Rodri had clipped the post the crossbar for Manchester City, United broke away from the left flank with left back Luke Shaw. He got a pass in return from Rashford and tucked away a shot they nutmegged Rodri and went into the bottom right corner which left City keeper Ederson stranded to make it 2-0 in the 50th minute.
City are now on 65 points from 28 games with United now 11 points behind on 54 points as a glimmer of hope flickers for the Red Devils. City have a game this midweek as they take on struggling Southampton. United however have participation in the Europa League as they face AC Milan in the Round of 16.
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