Manchester City ran out 1-0 winners in the first Manchester derby of the campaign after Sergio Aguero capitalized on the visitors going down to ten men by scoring a second-half goal. United were spirited in their play but following Chris Smalling’s dismissal, City were in the ascendency.

Manchester City

Joe Hart- 7

The England goalkeeper made an important contribution. He was often first to crosses and set-pieces as well as making an important save from a Van Persie strike in the second-half.

Pablo Zabaleta- 7

The Argentine had a comfortable afternoon, mainly because Angel Di Maria was moved to the right flank following Smalling’s red-card. Zabaleta defended well when needs be late on but didn’t get forward with any regularity.

Vincent Kompany-7

City’s captain was again a rock at the back for the hosts despite making an error to allow Wayne Rooney through on goal in the latter stages of the second-half. Was commanding in the air against Fellaini.

Martin Demichelis-6

Again not truly tested but picked up a cheap yellow card fort a foul on Di Maria

Gael Clichy-6

Was a last minute call-up courtesy of Kolarov’s injury in the warm-up and made a few mistakes. United will rue the face they never managed to test him when they had 11 on the field.

Yaya Toure-9

Probably the difference maker. Despite not stamping his authority on the first-half, Toure was methodical in the second making a number of key passes and physical contributions.

Fernando-6

Struggled to keep with the pace of the match and didn’t really contribute in the first-half when United’s midfield bossed possession.

Jesus Navas-7

Was a handful early on with his pace and was a real threat. However his impact on the game waned as Luke Shaw gained confidence.

James Milner-7

Worked hard and caused United all sorts of problems on the right. Made a clever run to get in behind United’s back four to force Smalling’s red card.

Stevan Jovetic-6

Showed good movement at times but was limited in his effectiveness.

Sergio Aguero-10

Aguero again was United’s main worry. The Argentine’s movement was absolutely wonderful and he deserved the goal in the second-half. Forced a couple of important saves out of De Gea in the first-half and was again a credit to his club.

Fernandinho-N/A

Came on too late to really make an impact.

Samir Nasri-5

Added very little to the game once brought on. His arrival coincided with United’s best period of the half.

Dzeko-6

Was isolated and didn’t receive many opportunities. Was a handful in the air.

 

Manchester United

David De Gea-9

Again United’s best player. Made three really important saves to keep the match level and was let down by his defence.

Antonio Valencia-5

Playing out of position, it is perhaps unfair to criticise Valencia but the Ecuadorian struggles with defensive aspects. Was out of position for Smalling’s red and again reinforces the belief United need a natural right-back as back-up to Rafael.

Chris Smalling-5

Actually started the match well until he picked up a senseless booking for blocking a Joe Hart goal-kick. Was always a worry after that and flew into a challenge on Milner, which rightly earned him a red.

Marcos Rojo-7

Was United’s best defender until injury curtailed his afternoon early in the second-half. Perhaps was fortunate not to give a penalty away for a challenge on Toure right on the cusp of half-time.

Luke Shaw-7

Endured a difficult start to the afternoon but grew into the game significantly and was a really impressive performer for United.

Marouane Fellaini-7

Fellaini continued his good run of form and looked a comfortable figure in United’s midfield. Tired as the game wore on and should have really done better which a number of headed chances but overall a good performer.

Daley Blind-7

Blind again held United’s midfield together well and dictated possession in the first half-hour.

Wayne Rooney-6

Rooney returned from a three-match suspension and started slowly as he readjusted to first-team football. Grew into the game and provided United’s best moment when he ran through four City players and into the penalty area before a challenge came in.

Angel Di Maria-6

Was United’s great hope when in possession of the ball but double coverage from City’s defenders limited his impact. Delivered a number of high quality crosses, which teammates failed to get on the end of.

Adnan Januzaj-5

Struggled early on as City targeted United’s right-hand side but showed glimpses of ability going forward. His afternoon was cut short when he was substituted for Michael Carrick after Smalling’s dismissal.

Robin van Persie-6

Again, Van Persie worked hard as a lone forward with little reward. Forced a good save out of Hart in the second-half and the Dutchman looks to be getting close to full fitness.

Michael Carrick-6

Defended well at a difficult time for United and was key in the visitor’s keeping the difference to just one goal.

Paddy McNair-6

McNair impressed again and defended well after being introduced. The game situation was always against United at that time but the 19-year-old impressed.

James Wilson-6

Brought on to replace the tiring Van Persie, Wilson made a couple of impressive surging runs but never really had a clear-cut chance per se.