The first Manchester Derby managed by Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho did not disappoint in terms of entertainment, though United fans will certainly lament the results.
City went into Old Trafford and walked away with a 2-1 win on Saturday, kicking off a fine Premier League weekend with goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Kelechi Iheanacho.
[ MORE: Match recap ]
Mourinho was forced to admit his player selection was debatable when he lifted both his wings at halftime, while Guardiola will feel a-okay about picking Iheanacho to deputize for suspended Sergio Aguero.
And what a game.
A game you could not take your eyes off. These 2 teams are going to gel and evolve. We are in for a Premier League Title Race for the Ages
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) September 10, 2016
How’d everyone do? Read on...
Manchester United
David De Gea -- 6 -- Hard to fault him on either goal, though we’ve seen hm make the difference-making save on similar plays in the past.
Antonio Valencia -- 6 -- His poor cross in the final moments stands out, but he zipped around and helped in the tactical turnaround.
Eric Bailly -- 5 -- Better than his center back partner, but not by much.
Daley Blind -- 4 -- Slow to react on De Bruyne’s opener, and kept Iheanacho onside on the second City goal. Poor.
Luke Shaw -- 5 -- Struggled to handle the City attackers.
Paul Pogba -- 6 -- One of the better United players, and adjusted well to a dramatic change in responsibilities between halves.
Marouane Fellaini -- 6 -- The hard man made life tougher for City’s midfield, but was ultimately worked a few times.
Jesse Lingard (Off HT) -- 5 -- Essentially invisible.
Wayne Rooney -- 6 -- Lively and physical. Can hardly be faulted for team’s first half woes.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Off HT) -- 5 -- Clearly hampered and not back to full fitness.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic -- 8 -- Great goal, and was a menace despite little help.
Subs
Ander Herrera (On HT) -- 7 -- Another good sub, and I remain flummoxed that he hasn’t been an every week starter under his last two United bosses.
Marcus Rashford (On HT) -- 7 -- The right sub, and probably should’ve started. Hindsight is 20/20, though.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United (L) and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 10, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Manchester City
Claudio Bravo -- 4 -- Gave away the goal, and was suspect in possession. Could’ve seen red or at least conceded a penalty for slide on Rooney. We imagine Joe Hart was somewhere in Italy, displeased or laughing.
Aleksandar Kolarov -- 7 -- Aside from his overhit early free kick, his booming left peg was on point. Terrific long ball to spring the first goal.
John Stones -- 5 -- We get that he has incredible ability with the ball, but his defending leaves much to be desired. Bailed out Bravo once.
Nicolas Otamendi -- 7 -- Perhaps hampered a bit by Stones’ day, and was fortunate to dodge a card for a sideline challenge.
Fernandinho -- 9 -- Just outstanding, in the air and on the ground.
Nolito -- 7 -- May’ve not done that clinical bit to finish, but kept United’s back line on its toes.
Raheem Sterling (Off 60') -- 6 -- Took an early knock and didn’t really seem to recover.
Kevin De Bruyne (Off 90') -- 9 -- An outstanding job. Of course he scored his goal, but his passing was fantastic and his runs well-timed.
David Silva -- 7 -- Not his shiniest day, set back in the formation, but effective, even controlling at times.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Off 53') -- 8 -- He’ll turn 20 next month, but his composure in such a big spot had us thinking he was much more experienced. Goal and assist.
Subs
Leroy Sane (On 60') -- 6 -- Wasn’t overrun by the occasion, and kept it simple and clean.
Fernando (On 53') -- 6 -- No big issues with his performance, but nothing standout either.
Zabaleta (On 90') -- N/A