Manchester United netted twice in the closing minutes to beat Manchester City 2-1 in a dramatic derby finale at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Struggling English Premier League champions City took the lead in the first half and looked to be coasting to only their second victory in 11 matches when United responded with two late goals, Cote d’Ivoire international Amad Diallo involved in both.
Josko Gvardiola’s 36th minute header appeared to be giving City victory in a largely scrappy clash until United staged a remarkable turnaround to give new manager Ruben Amorim a landmark win early in his reign.
Amad was United’s star performer, winning the 88th minute penalty that saw Bruno Fernandes equalise after the youngster was fouled by Matheus Nunes.
As City tried to regain their lead, Amad then pounced in the closing seconds of normal time to score from a tight angle.
It was a rich reward for United manager Amorim after he ruthlessly axed Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from his matchday squad, but then suffered an early blow when Mason Mount was struck down by his latest injury, limping off after only 14 minutes.
Opportunities were at a premium in a game largely made up of desperate mediocrity, United looking to have wasted their best opportunity to equalise 17 minutes from time when Fernandes raced clear on to Rasmus Hojlund’s pass, only to lift his finish over the onrushing Ederson but wide.
The game was turned on its head in that frantic finale, City’s fans furious and jeering their side while United’s followers celebrated wildly in their corner of Etihad Stadium.
With the result, Pep Guardiola’s City crisis continued, as they have lost eight of their last 11 matches in all competitions, winning only once.
Manchester City stay in fifth place, nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool, while Manchester United moved above Tottenham Hotspur to 12th.
