Manchester United turned in a heroic effort to halt Manchester City’s 21-match winning streak at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.
Bruno Fernandes gave the Red Devils the lead early on from the penalty spot after Anthony Martial was fouled by Gabriel Jesus. Left-back Luke Shaw then extended the lead just after the break to top off what was an impressive personal performance.
Starting his 22nd Premier League game of the season for the Red Devils, the second-most in a single campaign throughout his career with the club, he continued his eye-catching resurgence.
Who should start at left-back for Manchester United?
Luke Shaw
Alex Telles
Faced up against the ever-tricky Riyad Mahrez, the former Southampton man kept the Algerian under lock and key throughout the 90 minutes.
He produced a tackle, an interception and a block in the game according to WhoScored and whilst they are not the most overwhelming numbers in the world, Shaw consistently looked like he was not going to be beaten or taken on.
Whilst he was solid at the back, it was the offensive side of his game where the £19.8m-rated full-back was the most efficient.
He had two shots against City, both of those on target, which is more than inspirational Red Devils figure Bruno Fernandes, who scored the opening goal of the game from the spot.
As a matter of fact one of those shots was indeed key as it saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men double their lead at the Etihad. Shaw’s direct run at the City defence opened up the space before he played a clever one-two with Marcus Rashford. Receiving the ball back, the 25-year-old stayed cool to slot home into the far corner for just his third-ever Manchester United goal.
Shaw was not one for relinquishing possession either, having not been dispossessed or notching an unsuccessful touch throughout the 90 minutes.
He really is now playing a top form and looks to have secured the left-back berth for his own despite the summer arrival of Alex Telles from FC Porto.
Fernandes has often been Man United’s go-to player but in this game, it was Shaw who led the way to a derby day victory.
AND in more news, have a look why it’s a bad idea for Manchester United to splash the cash on Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland…