100% ground duels, 5 interceptions, 3 tackles, 3 clearances: United star sends message to Amorim in masterclass vs. City

Manchester United came back from a goal down to beat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad.

Josko Gvardiol broke the deadlock just nine minutes before the break, as he rose the highest to head in a cross from Kevin de Bruyne.

However, United fought back and got their reward in the dying embers of the match. Amad Diallo was brought down inside the box by a reckless Matheus Nunes, prompting the referee to award the visitors a penalty.

Bruno Fernandes made no mistake from the spot-kick to restore parity. Seconds later, Amad was at it again, this time latching on to an excellent ball from Lisandro Martinez, rounding Ederson and guiding it into the back of an almost empty net.

United had 48% possession in comparison to City’s slightly higher 52% share of the ball. Both teams managed three shots on target.

Ruben Amorim’s men put together 467 passes with a pass accuracy of 88%. City, on the other hand, strung 24 more passes but with a lower completion rate of 86%.

Alongside Amad, one of the other outstanding performers for United was Harry Maguire.

Maguire slotted into the central position of a three-man defence. He had Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez on either side of him.

During the time he was on the pitch, Maguire made an impressive three clearances and five interceptions.

He also blocked one shot.

The England international put in three tackles. Maguire delved into four ground duels, winning all four of them.

He was required to contest four challenges in the air and came out on top on two occasions. The 31-year-old touched the ball 51 times and successfully found his teammates with 34 of the 37 passes he attempted.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

It was an excellent outing for Maguire, who is proving he still has a lot to offer under Ruben Amorim.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

Lewis-Skelly: Why United have a shot at signing Arsenal youngster

Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, as per reports. The Red Devils are in the market for a new left-back as they look to add much-needed width and creativity to their left flank, having failed to offload Marcus Rashford and bring in a new left winger. As such, the focus

Aurelien Tchouameni close to leaving Real Madrid as Man United lie in wait

Manchester United’s patience could be about to be rewarded if reports emerging from Spain are to be believed. The Red Devils have already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to strengthen their engine room, with the Brazilian impressing during pre-season. However, United still lack that out-and-out defensive midfielder, which explains why they were interested in

Juventus Douglas Luiz makes transfer stance clear amid Man United links

Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz has clarified his stance on his future amid suggestions that he could be headed to Manchester United. Dream move United are on the hunt for a third midfield signing after securing the services of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively. Michael Carrick’s side are said to

Lewis Hall: United planning imminent talks with Newcastle

Manchester United appear focused on signing a new left-back to provide backup to Luke Shaw ahead of the new campaign. The Englishman started every Premier League game last season, but given his injury record, INEOS are right to be wary. This explains their interest in Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. A pursuit had slowed down as the

Altay Bayindir closing in on shock move to Celta Vigo

Manchester United claimed their second win of pre-season on Saturday as the Red Devils came back from a goal down to clinch a 2-1 victory against Atletico Madrid at the Strawberry Arena. Amad, who returned to pre-season training a couple of days ago, was reinstated into the starting line-up by Michael Carrick. The Ivorian impressed
spot_imgspot_img