Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City: Hits and flops as Pep Guardiola’s men march into fourth straight final

#3 Hit: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Kevin De Bruyne was hugely influential in all of Manchester City's attacking play

Kevin De Bruyne pulled the strings in midfield in a manner that his attacking counterpart Bruno Fernandes failed to replicate as Manchester City ran out worthy winners.

The Belgian midfielder, who was part of Manchester City’s fluid front three, was involved in all of their attacking play, linking up superbly with his teammates as Pep Guardiola’s men relentlessly flooded forward with great intent.

De Bruyne’s clever movement meant that Manchester United’s defenders struggled to mark him effectively, regularly allowing him time on the ball and space to run into, both of which he used to great effect in creating goal-scoring opportunities.

The Belgian playmaker was extremely unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet early on, as his long-range effort whizzed past Dean Henderson in the Manchester United goal only to cannon back off the post.

#4 Flop: Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)

A frustrating putting in the false 9 role for Riyad Mahrez against Manchester United

Drafted into the starting lineup after spending Manchester City’s win against Chelsea on the bench, Riyad Mahrez cut a frustrated figure in a largely anonymous display that saw him starved of the ball and on the fringes of his side’s attacking play.

The Algerian, whose turn it was to be deployed in the false 9 role after de Bruyne had a go against Chelsea, was kept in check throughout by Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire and barely got a touch in the first half.

Even when Mahrez, De Bruyne, and Raheem Sterling swapped positions and Mahrez found himself in his preferred spot out on the wing, the former Leicester City man was unable to affect proceedings as his path to goal was blocked off by Luke Shaw.

A long-range effort that was tipped over the bar by Henderson was Mahrez’s only contribution of note in the game. He was replaced by Rodri for the final 10 minutes as Manchester City looked to shore up things at the back after taking the lead.

#5 Hit: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

Ruben Dias (L) was every bit as impressive as his central defensive partner John Stones (R)

Having been signed from Benfica over the summer, Ruben Dias was expected to be an option in defence for Manchester City. He has since exceeded expectations to emerge as one of the first names on the team sheet for Pep Guardiola’s side.

A no-nonsense centre-back, Dias has struck up an instant partnership with John Stones. While the Englishman plays the role of ball carrier, the Portugal international sits back and focuses more on the defensive side of things.

The duo were on top form against Manchester United, barely allowing the hosts’ star-studded attacking lineups a kick near their goal, ensuring that rookie goalkeeper Zack Steffen was never in any real trouble.

While both Stones and Dias made a number of vital interceptions, Stones managed to get himself on the scoresheet. Dias matched his contribution with a series of vital blocks to keep Manchester United shots at bay.

Such has been the success of the Stones-Dias partnership for Manchester City this season that Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte have struggled to get a game, a fact that is unlikely to change after tonight’s exceptional showing.