Man City vs Man Utd player ratings: Fabulous Foden puts ‘lost’ Garnacho in the shade

After taking an early lead through Marcus Rashford’s sublime strike, United spent most of the time chasing shadows

Phil Foden scored twice in the second half as title-chasing Manchester City came from behind to claim a crucial 3-1 win over rivals Manchester United.
The champions were stunned by a brilliant strike from Marcus Rashford after just eight minutes but were otherwise the dominant force in a keenly-fought Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Their pressure eventually paid off as Foden levelled with a long-range effort in the 56th minute and then put his side ahead 10 minutes from time. Erling Haaland put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time.
So, who delivered when it really mattered and who wilted under pressure?
No chance with Rashford’s goal and was not called into action much throughout the game. As usual he took risks with kicking. United felt they could have had a penalty when Garnacho was tackled when through. 6
His pass inside to Stones was an effective move for City. He showed his pace to get down the right at times but was disciplined, picking and choosing his time to go forward. 7
Lost duel with Bruno when the United captain set up the opener and also got away with a slip that should have seen Rashford go through again. Could have been a tidier afternoon. 6
Positioned at centre-back for kick-off but quickly moved to midfield where he saw so much of the ball. Had time when in possession and picked his passes well to get his team forward. 7
Showed his pace against Garnacho in the early stages. Perhaps would have liked to have used the ball quicker but it was a solid enough afternoon for the Dutchman. 6
Rashford goal came from the area he normally patrols but in terms of the game, he was part of City seizing control with the way he picked up the ball from defenders and set the pace of the game. Also had volley saved. 8
Sharp-shooter’s shotgun celebration after two goals. City’s biggest threat. He found areas of space all across the frontline. His first goal sublime, his second a cool finish in front of Gareth Southgate. 9
City’s attacking play went through him and he seems to be on the ball every few seconds. Huge part in turning the tide of the match even if he did not assist. 8
So comfortable on the ball. He made no errors when in possession and was one of City’s hardest workers. Will not get the headlines but an excellent shift. 7
Final pass was just off, which was a shame as he got into good positions and made himself room cutting inside and could use either foot. 5
Normal service resumed in stoppage-time with his goal, after his miss-of-the-season contender in the first half when he was in front of goal. 7
Alvarez 59 (Doku), Bobb 90+7 (Foden)
Not used: Ortega (g), Kovacic, Gomez, Gvardiol, Akanji, Nunes, Lewis
Infuriated City fans with his perceived time-wasting. One of his most assured displays in a United shirt but could do little about the goals. 7/10
Endured a torrid first half of the season but the Portugal right-back has found form since the turn of the year. Barely got forward but battled hard defensively. 6
Made a series of important clearances having overcome fitness concerns to play three games in a week. Probably United’s best performer. 7
A dogged performance from the veteran defender who showed all his experience despite carrying a knock. Missed when he went off. 7
Uncomfortable as a make-shift left-back against the game’s outstanding player in Foden. Somehow he has been at the club seven years now. Not good enough. 4
Dug in in the first half but the game bypassed him in the second half and this will do little to discourage the critics who argue his legs have gone. Needs to be sold in the summer. 5
Worked hard and showed some neat touches without ever being able to impose himself on a game City controlled. 5
Too slack defensively, poor in possession and offered little threat on the break. At times, he looked lost amid the sea of blue shirts. 4
One of United’s better players in the first half but largely anonymous in the second when he spent most of his time chasing shadows. 5
Scored a stunning goal to put United in front but that was as good as it got for the England forward. Fluffed a couple of openings and lacked conviction. 5
Released Rashford on goal with a fine pass that his team-mate failed to take advantage of but faded as the game went on. 5
Willy Kambwala for Evans 69 – struggled. 5; Antony for Rashford 75 – anonymous as usual. 4; Sofyan Amrabat for Mainoo 82 – awful error gifted City their third goal. 3; Omari Forson for Garnacho 82 – made no impact. 5
Not used: Bayindir, Eriksen, Diallo, Collyer, Ogunneye.