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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had very little time to recover from the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Everton when he was pushed into the most demanding of fixtures - the Manchester Derby. The stakes were higher this time - United needed a win to keep alive their slim chances of making a top four finish, but it was not going to be easy.
Manchester City were on a record breaking run in the English Premier League. Liverpool's title challenge had brought the best out of Pep Guardiola's men, who had been unbeatable in the EPL of late. Wins in all of their remaining four games would assure Guardiola's side of the title no matter what Liverpool did and it was a run that started with the United game.
Solskjaer, as such, was aware of the threat that City possessed, but was desperate for three points himself. He named his team accordingly, making as many as several changes from the team that lost 4-0 to Everton.
The Norwegian opted for de Gea in goal, with Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Darmian and Shaw making up a defensive line and wing-backs. Fred and Andreas Pereira partnered Pogba in the midfield, while Lingard and Rashford were preferred as a front two.
Even though United were composed in the first half, goals from Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane in the second half ultimately saw City win 2-0. While City were brilliant as always, Manchester United hardly did themselves any favour on the night. Here are four takeaways from the game that might have defined both United's and City's season.
#4 Solskjaer got his team selection wrong
When Solskjaer named his first eleven, there were two glaring misses from the team - Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku. The United midfield had lost its bite and competitiveness ever since Ander Herrera was sidelined with injury. In the Spaniard's absence, McTominay had been a shining light and the Scot had even been one of the best midfielders in the team of late. Against a rampant City side, McTominay should have been on the pitch.
On the other hand, United have been short of goals in recent times. Lukaku has been going through a goal drought in recent games, but he is the best chance United have of scoring a goal, given how poor every one else has been too. The striker has been underutilized by Solskjaer and the result spoke for itself. United failed to score once more, which saw them lose a home game at Old Trafford in the Premier League for the first time under Solskjaer.
#3 United need serious reinforcements in the summer
The game against City highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides at present. United matched City stride for stride for the first 25 minutes, but from then on, Pep Guardiola’s side were clearly the better team. City had an enviable flow in their game that would have left Old Trafford jealous and United struggled to come to terms with the individual qualities in the away team.
The home team managed to stay in the game by the end of the first half, but they had also carved quite a few opportunities themselves. However, collective failure of the entire team meant that United never really put the away defense in too much trouble in the later stages. This inability to maintain the initial momentum highlights the biggest problem in the team – lack of world class players.
In Solskjaer’s defense, the Norwegian did refrain from overspending in the winter window, preferring instead to understand the basic requirements in his team. The City game was an eye opener that United need a solid summer transfer window. They need to invest smart, if they are to catch up with the likes of City and Liverpool.
While there will be players coming in, there should also be a few worthy departures. A lot of the current United players do not have the minimum qualities required to play at the highest level and Solskjaer needs to be smart with his axe too.
Perhaps the biggest takeaways from the City game is that United need serious reinforcements in the summer.
#2 City are now favourites to win the league
City and Liverpool have been locked in a battle of epic proportions since the end of last year. Both teams have outdone each other in a bit to get their hands on the title and the fight has reached its final stages. As of now, City are back to the summit, with 89 points from 35 games, while Liverpool are close on their heels in second, with 88 points from the same number of games. With three games left in the league, City clearly have the advantage right now.
The reigning Champions next face Burnley away, before welcoming Leicester City to the Etihad. Their final game of the league is an away trip to Falmer Stadium to face Brighton. It is hard to imagine City not winning all three games. That means that even if Liverpool win all of their last three games, they would still come up a point short.
There was a lot of discussion about the Manchester Derby deciding the title challenge, because it was City’s last big hurdle in the final few weeks. And Guardiola’s men passed their test with flying colours, which now makes them favourites to win the EPL.
#1 United missed a golden opportunity to secure a top 4 finish
Solskjaer cannot help but feel a little let down by his team’s performances this week. While United were disastrous at Goodison Park, they did improve a little at home. However, this two back to back losses in the EPL has forced them into some uncertainty regarding next season. On closer observation, it is clear that United missed a golden opportunity to secure a top four finish this week itself.
The Red Devils are currently sixth in the table, with 64 points from 35 games. They are two points behind Arsenal in fifth and three points behind Chelsea in fourth. Tottenham are currently in third with 70 points. As such, a win over both Everton and City would have put them to 70 points from 35 games. It would have secured them the fourth position, as they have an inferior goal difference compared to Tottenham. With Chelsea up next on Sunday, United had their fate in their own hands, yet never took the chance.
During a phase when almost all of their rivals for the final two Champions League spots have faltered, United failed to take advantage. This could come back to haunt them by May. A season without Champions League football would make United a far inferior option for top talents and Solskjaer’s rebuilding process could take a major hit.
