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Manchester United suffered a 3-1 defeat in opposition to a formidable Manchester Metropolis on the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
In typical Metropolis fashion, the house crew dictated the circulation of play from the kick-off, dominating possession and incomes two fast corners throughout the first two minutes of the sport. Nonetheless, United managed to take care of their formation, denying the house crew an early lead.
Three minutes later, the gang jeered when John Stones was introduced down within the field. Upon nearer inspection, Casemiro did nothing flawed, with VAR instantly rejecting the penalty enchantment. Whereas the worst-case state of affairs was prevented, United might want to sharpen their focus, particularly since they allowed the Metropolis defender to take pleasure in possession inside their penalty space.
5 minutes later, United have been prepared for a promising counter-attack as Alejandro Garnacho threaded the ball down the precise wing. Whereas Marcus Rashford pressured his approach by the center, Garnacho's cross was intercepted by goalkeeper Ederson.
Seven minutes later, Bruno Fernandes made a swift counter-attack and determined to attract the ball again to Marcus Rashford, who fired a strong long-range shot into the again of the Metropolis internet, giving United an surprising lead late within the recreation. .
After the late kick-off, United continued to press Metropolis, inflicting discomfort for the house facet each on and off the ball. Metropolis have been clearly upset after falling behind in a match the place they have been clearly thought-about favourites.
Within the 14th minute, Metropolis seemed to regain their composure as Phil Foden fired a powerfully grounded shot into the underside left nook which Onana did effectively to dam. After this the Cameroon goalkeeper did effectively in catching the subsequent nook.
Metropolis on track within the 18th minute as Foden slipped previous the defence. Thankfully, Raphael Varane was in a position to maintain on to him, slowing down his tempo whereas Onana saved the subsequent shot.
4 minutes later, United have been as soon as once more on the counter as McTominay made an opportunistic run. Rashford did the identical, nevertheless, as quickly because the ball arrived, he mistimed his shot, lacking the ball utterly and leading to a major scoring alternative.
Metropolis responded instantly with an assault of their very own, Kevin De Bruyne's cross hitting the arm of Diogo Dalot within the field for one more penalty enchantment. VAR decided that Dalot's arm was shut sufficient to his physique to shut the enchantment and restart play.
Within the thirty second minute, the house crew went near aim as Rodri fired a harmful volley from shut vary which Onana managed to cease. De Bruyne's follow-up shot was cleared by Onana at full-time.
On 43 minutes, Kobi Manu was knocked out when a strong shot from Foden hit him within the torso. Thankfully, he was in a position to get to his ft after a couple of seconds.
With United out of focus, Foden delivered a lob to Erling Haaland, who missed an open aim by inserting his shot over the crossbar. Relying on the ultimate scoreline, this might be a second the striker will severely remorse.
Because the half-time whistle blew, United have been shocked to enter the break with the lead, having solely 25% possession and taking two pictures in comparison with their opponents' 18.
4 minutes into the second half, Metropolis introduced their intentions as Jeremy Doku took a shot from the left which Onana was in a position to filter of hazard.
On 56 minutes, Foden fired a long-range effort which the United protection failed to trace. The ball proved effectively past Onana's attain and Metropolis managed to equalize the rating.
Within the sixtieth minute, Metropolis confirmed no indicators of slowing down as Onana managed to ship a threatening cross over the crossbar for a nook. Thankfully, the subsequent cross overhit.
A couple of minutes later, Eric ten Hag and the United bench seemed involved as Onana fell to the bottom. Though he appeared to have strained his hamstring, he was again on his ft a couple of moments later when the match resumed.
Varane acquired a yellow card after bringing down Haaland exterior the field. Consequently, Metropolis have been awarded a free kick in a threatening place.
Earlier than the free kick was taken, 19-year-old Willie Kambwala got here on for the skilled Jonny Evans.
De Bruyne lined as much as take the free kick, his effort hitting the wall, giving United a sigh of aid.
Goalscorer Rashford was changed by Antony within the seventy fifth minute. Clearly, Ten Hag felt the necessity to make a contemporary effort as United continued to struggle for his or her lives to get the consequence.
Within the 78th minute, Garnacho burst into the field to gather the ball, when Ederson got here in together with his studs to clear the ball out of hazard. Whereas VAR investigated the penalty, they finally decided that the goalkeeper reached the ball first, thereby avoiding a penalty.
10 minutes from time, Foden struck once more, racing into the field and slotting the ball into the far nook of the aim to provide the house facet the lead. Two minutes later, Ten Hag introduced on Omari Forson and Sofiane Amrabat, changing Garnacho and Kobi Manu.
Eight minutes of stoppage time was introduced, giving United loads of time to get again into the match regardless of it being a one-sided contest up to now.
Sadly, this ambition was reduce quick as Haaland scored Metropolis's third aim of the match a minute into stoppage time. Amrabat might be upset to be dispossessed so simply by Rodri, who supplied the ultimate cross to the goalscorer.
Finally, it was a disappointing afternoon for United. Regardless of a brilliant begin to the match, attacking alternatives have been few and much between for Ten Haag's struggling facet, however the hosts clearly outplayed them.
Beginning XI: Onana, Lindelof, Fernandes, Rashford, Garnacho, Casemiro, Varane, Dalot, Evans, Manu, McTominay
Sub: Kambwala, Antony, Forson, Amrabat