Four things we learnt as United crushed 3-0 by City with pressure cranking up once more on Amorim

Manchester United travelled to the Etihad to face their bitter rivals Manchester City.

Altay Bayindir began in nets despite the deadline day signing of Senne Lammens. Noussair Mazraoui made his first start of the season at right wing back.

Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw formed the back three with Patrick Dorgu starting at left wing back.

Manuel Ugarte was recalled to the starting line up for the first time in the league since last season and Bruno Fernandes partnered him.

Amad began as a number 10 with Bryan Mbeumo alongside him. Benjamin Sesko was also given a first league start for the Red Devils.

Here are four things we learnt from the match.

Luke Shaw exposed again

The England defender has been a regular at left centre back since the start of the season.

He was brutally exposed in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in May and was once again poor versus a big side.

Shaw was frequently out of position and was badly at fault for City’s vital first half goal.

The defender was naively beaten twice by Jérémy Doku which allowed him to find his way into the penalty box and eventually find a free Phil Foden to head home.

United fans will be even more desperate for Lisandro Martinez to return to the first team as soon as possible on this evidence.

Can’t convert after positive start

The Red Devils have made a positive habit of beginning games on the front foot.

Every Premier League game they have played so far, they have objectively been the better side but as usual, they struggled to convert this advantage.

Despite a positive start, they failed to score and City got themselves in front just like Arsenal did on opening day.

Like clockwork United started the second half well on top, penning City into their own half but managed to concede through an Erling Haaland strike.

Whilst fans will be happy the team are coming out of the gates with more energy than last year, they really do need to start cashing in on their energetic beginnings.

Patrick Dorgu aggressive

The Danish fullback endured an mixed first half season in English football last year.

He had a good pre-season though this summer and has started the season quite well.

Dorgu was aggressive in his duels and regularly put the City defence under pressure with constant pressing.

The young fullback could still have been more assured with his final ball but it is as clear as day that the youngster is making positive strides forward in his development.

Lack of shots

United enjoyed a lot of the ball and had plenty of possession in dangerous positions, especially in the second half.

In spite of this, United only managed one shot at goal in the first 20 minutes of the second period.

In fact, Ruben Amorim’s side were only able to muster two shots on goal in the opening hour of play despite arguably being the more pro-active team.

City ruthlessly picked them apart though and scored a third after 68 minutes.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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