Manchester City reserved their place in the Carabao Cup final for the fifth time in six years with a 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
After an entertaining first half ended scoreless, John Stones gave City the lead four minutes into the second period – with the returning city center returning home Phil’s whipped free kick. Foden with his thigh.
The recent form of John Stones is rewarded. ?#MUNMCI pic.twitter.com/DzcgLw8faj
– 90min (at 90min_Football) January 6, 2021
City scored their second in the final 10 minutes, with Fernandinho sending a low volley past Dean Henderson to secure their place in the Carabao Cup final for the fourth consecutive season.
Dean Henderson makes his Old Trafford debut for Manchester United tonight. ?#MUNMCI pic.twitter.com/HUGnj9a9mP
– 90min (at 90min_Football) January 6, 2021
Dean Henderson (GK) – 6/10 – Popped up with a good second half save to score a Sterling header around the post – followed by a fabulous save to tip a Riyad Mahrez effort a few minutes later.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – 5/10 – Had a tough night against the very lively Foden. His second-half header was tame and he fell straight to the feet of Fernandinho, who stole City’s second at home.
Harry Maguire (CB) – 6/10 – did well to pick up Mahrez and win the ball past City in the closing stages of the first half as the visitors mounted a promising attack. Had flat feet and failed to handle Foden’s delivery in preparation for City’s opener.
Victor Lindelof (CB) – 5/10 – Aimlessly attempted to clear Foden’s free kick as the ball floated to the unmarked Stones for City’s opener.
Luke Shaw (LB) – 6/10 – Did well to dispossess Sterling in the first half in United’s box as City rushed menacingly but were guilty of losing Stones in preparation for City’s opener.
Scott McTominay (CDM) – 6/10 – Pulled from a distance in the first half. Conceded the free kick that led to City’s opener and was substituted 15 minutes from time.
Fred (CDM) – 6/10 – Picked Rashford with a fabulous lofted pass in the first half to put the United striker behind, from where he could have opened the scoring. Replaced by three minutes remaining.
Bruno Fernandes (CM) – 5/10 – Tested Zack Steffen inside 10 minutes with a scathing effort from the edge of the box, and soared wide in the second. Never able to exert his usual devastating creative influence on the game.
Marcus Rashford (RW) – 5/10 – Came close to opening the scoring for United in the first half but was denied by a block from Dias. We had a very frustrating evening, rarely seeing much joy on the right flank.
Anthony Martial (ST) – 5/10 – It looked crisp and had a few promising driving tracks down the City’s backline, but was kept relatively quiet by the strong Stones – Dias partnership.
Paul Pogba (LW) – 6/10 – Chose Fernandes in preparation for a decent second half for United. Inserted in the central midfielder for the last 15 minutes.
Mason Greenwood – 5/10
Donny van de Beek – N / A
Zack Steffen (GK) – 6/10 – Produced a good save to refuse Fernandes in the first 10 minutes, but was rarely tested.
Joao Cancelo (RB) – 7/10 – Often drifted inside when City were in possession, functioning as a fourth central midfielder. Pulled a lightning effort a few inches into the second half of the edge of the box.
John Stones (CB) – 7/10 – Opened the scoring for City in the second half, the most alert man on the box as he returned Foden’s free kick home with his thigh.
Ruben Dias (CB) – 8/10 – Misjudged a play in the opening trade and was fortunate not to be punished – but hardly put a foot down for the rest of the game. Produced a superb block in the first half to prevent a goal-related Rashford effort.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – 7/10 – Rarely ventured forward in order to stick to his defensive duties rigorously – resulting in a frustrating night for Rashford.
Fernandinho (CDM) – 8/10 – City’s lead doubled with a volley instinctively hit from the edge of the box to the lower right corner of Henderson’s net. Protected the city of four impeccably.
Ilkay Gundogan (CM) – 7/10 – One goal was narrowly ruled out for offside in the first five minutes. Efficient in possession, energetic and stubborn.
Kevin de Bruyne (CAM) – 8/10 – Rocked the post with a bubbly effort from the edge of the area after 12 minutes. Was at the heart of every dangerous move in town.
Raheem Sterling (RW) – 7/10 – Spoiled a promising opening for City in the first half, attempting to beat Shaw when he could have faced de Bruyne. Bound well for a header in the second half, but he was dismissed by Henderson.
Riyad Mahrez (ST) – 6/10 – Playing in an artificial false nine role, Mahrez made a fantastic second-half save from Henderson with a well-hitting practice from a distance. Replaced by 12 minutes remaining.
Phil Foden (LW) – 8/10 – Picked Gundogan with a perfect cross in five minutes but the German’s goal was ruled out for offside before seeing his own well-taken goal scored for offside. Prepare for City’s first game with a teasing dead ball.
Rodri – 5/10
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