By Ethan Aspinall, Sun 18 January 2026 10:30
Manchester United 2 Manchester City 0: match reportPoor performance from City ends in 2-0 defeat on derby day with goals from Mbuemo and Dorgu enough for United
Manchester City were defeated 2-0 by Manchester United in the derby to continue the Blue’s winless league form in the new year and further harm their title hopes. It was the fifth league defeat of the season for City and their first in 2026. Donnarumma started in goal, Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, and Ake were the back four. Rodri, Foden and Bernardo were in midfield with Doku, Semenyo, and Haaland in attack.
United were strong from the start and very almost had a chance to make it 1-0 in just the third minute when a corner found the head of Maguire, but the attempt was off the bar. The Blues first let off of the game. In the 16th minute a challenge from Dalot on Doku looked potentially dangerous and a yellow card was issued to the full back. A red card was considered by VAR but was waived.
United actually had the ball in the City net twice in the first half but on both occasions the goals were disallowed due to offside offences. The first being against Diallo and the second against Fernandes. Despite not conceding in the first half, it was clear that there were huge alarm bells ringing for the City defence and were not quite prepared for the United onslaught.
The Blues themselves had no luck registering chances and were unable to create anything dangerous, mostly passing around the back when in the final third and unable to get a shot on goal.
Half-time changes were made for City and O’Reilly was brought in for Alleyne and Foden was subbed out for Cherki in a bid to improve City’s attacking chances. Despite this, City still couldn’t generate anything and find a way through United’s defence all while they were far too exposed at the back and this would ultimately lead to them trailing.
In the 64th minute, a free kick from Cherki was cleared away and this spurred a counter attack for the home side. Fernandes charged at the defence and passed it to Mbuemo who had acres of space to poke it past Donnarumma to make it 1-0. Despite the Italian goalkeeper’s brilliant efforts so far, his defence was finally breached and United led 1-0. Things went from bad to worse for City ten minutes later when a cross in found Dorgu at the near post to put United two goals up and secure the victory. Despite more substitutions, the Blues couldn’t find the net. A third goal was scored by Mason Mount for United but was ruled out for offside. A decision that didn’t do much to nurse City’s wounds.
City have now gone another season losing a competitive derby and more concerningly, it does not look as though the title will be regained this season, with Arsenal going nine points clear at the top should they defeat Nottingham Forest. There was no question that City were second best on the day and are not in league winning form, with nine points dropped already in the new year. City will face Bodo/Glimt next in the Champions League before facing Wolves at home next in the League.
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