On January 14, 2023, one of the most anticipated matches of the season, the Manchester derby, took place at Old Trafford. This confrontation always attracts the attention of the football community, and this time the expectations were especially high. The Manchester City team with Erling Haaland at the peak of his form was considered a clear favorite. The Norwegian striker continued to delight fans with his goals, confidently lifting his team to the top of the table. Pep Guardiola, as always, managed to create a monolithic and balanced squad that looked almost invincible. However, Manchester United, under the leadership of Erik ten Hag, also showed progress. The team was gradually covered by the spirit of renewal, and many players, including Marcus Rashford, began to show their true form. Rashford, who grew up in the club’s academy, became a key figure in the team’s growth. His speed, dribbling and ability to find a moment to strike became United’s main trump cards.
Manager Erik ten Hag was able to implement his ideas and tactics, which made United more competitive. The team became more organised and each player understood his role. This led to better results and also a return of confidence among the players and fans. In the first half of the derby, both teams were cautious, as neither wanted to make a mistake. However, with each passing minute, the tension increased. City controlled the ball, but the United defenders worked together, not allowing the opponent to create dangerous moments. Rashford, on the other hand, was constantly looking for an opportunity to break away on the counter-attack, his speed was ready to punish the opponent for the slightest mistake.
In the second half, the game became even more tense. United began to show more aggressive football, and at some point it paid off. Rashford, having received the ball on the flank, advanced towards the opponent’s penalty area, his confidence and experience allowed him to get past the defender and make a powerful shot. The ball flew into the City goal and the stadium exploded with delight. This goal was a true symbol of United’s progress and demonstrated that the team was ready to fight for high goals. City responded immediately. Guardiola, realizing the importance of this match, made several substitutions that were supposed to strengthen the attack. However, United’s defense showed resilience, and the goalkeeper gave a brilliant performance, parrying several dangerous shots. This confrontation was a real test for both teams, and the spectators were able to watch an exciting battle.
The match ended 1-0 in favor of Manchester United, and this was an important milestone in the season. United fans were delighted: the team showed that it is capable of competing with the strongest. This success was not only the result of a good performance, but also a symbol of a new beginning for the club, which is striving to return to the top of English football. The next match will be another test for United, and the team has every chance to continue its path to success. The confidence gained from this victory will motivate the players and also strengthen the fans’ faith in their team.
City opened the scoring in the 60th minute, Jack Grealish heading home a cross from the flank, and it looked like Guardiola had it all figured out. The goal was the result of a well-worked combination, with City showing off their usual style of play – quick passes, ball control and precise crosses from the flanks. Grealish, using his skill, was in the right place at the right time to send the ball into the net, causing a storm of emotion among his fans. However, United were not about to give up. There was an air of tension and anticipation in the stadium as Erik ten Hag’s side began to gather their bearings and pick up the pace. They knew they had to act quickly if they were to seize the opportunity to change the game. It was first evident that United were putting more pressure on their opponents, trying to regain control of the game.
The key moment came in the 78th minute, with Bruno Fernandes rising to the occasion after a superb performance in the middle of the pitch. He found a moment to break through to the City goal and, having received the ball, made a precise shot that led to a goal. This goal was not only important, but also quite controversial. The thing is that Marcus Rashford was actively involved in this episode, who, although he did not touch the ball, distracted the City defense. This created space for Fernandes, and the referee, after consulting with VAR, decided to count the goal, which caused a heated discussion among the players and fans. At this moment, United felt a surge of strength. The fans, who had previously been worried about their team, began to actively support the players, creating a powerful sound background in the stadium. This inspired the team, and they became even more aggressive in attack. Each attack of United became more and more dangerous, and the players began to act with confidence, which they lacked in the first half of the match.
Guardiola, realizing that his team was under pressure, made several substitutions, trying to regain control of the game. However, United continued to press. Rashford, who had been the catalyst for the change, was the centre of attention, his pace and dribbling allowing him to beat defenders and create chances for his teammates. There was another interesting moment in the 85th minute, when Rashford himself could have scored the decisive goal. He received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and, having beaten a defender, shot into the near corner. The ball seemed to be flying into the goal, but City goalkeeper Ederson managed to make a superb save at the last moment, keeping his team in the game.
The final minutes of the match were filled with tension, with both managers actively prompting their teams, trying to change the course of events. United continued to attack, while City tried to organize counter-attacks, relying on the skill of their forwards. However, United’s defenders showed resilience, not allowing their opponents to create any real threats. United had another chance in the 90th minute when a corner led to chaos in the City penalty area. The ball ended up in the hands of Rashford, who, in a cool head, tried to shoot, but again found himself caught by a solid City defence. In the end, the match ended in a draw, a result that United took as a victory. The game was emblematic of the new spirit of United under ten Hag. The players showed that they could compete on equal terms with the best, and Rashford became not only a key player, but also a leader, inspiring the whole team to strive for success.
This was a landmark match for Manchester United and for Marcus Rashford himself. Not only did he score a vital equaliser, but he also showed that he could carry a game against top opposition at critical moments. His performance was a reflection of the new spirit of the club: the drive, character and confidence that were needed to return United to the top of English football. A product of the United academy, Rashford has always been loyal to his club. However, in recent seasons he has had to deal with criticism and doubts about his abilities. But in the Manchester derby, he found the strength and dedication to show that he could lead. His performance was a shining example of how mental and physical attitude can affect the result. Not only did he score a goal, but he also became an inspiration to his teammates, encouraging them during tense moments.
After the match, journalists and experts noted that Rashford had become a central figure not only in this particular match, but in the entire season. His confidence on the pitch and ability to make decisions in difficult situations made him a key player in ten Hag’s scheme. In an interview after the match, he modestly noted that the credit for the victory belongs to the whole team, but still emphasized how important it was to return to winning ways and restore the trust of the fans. United fans were delighted with Rashford’s performance. His name was on everyone’s lips, and the fans who came to the stadium saw him off with a standing ovation. This game became for them a symbol of hope and a return to the club’s former glory. Rashford became not just a player, but a symbol of the fact that United are capable of more than just fighting for a place at the top of the table.
