Sunday’s Manchester derby had everything: goals, a fantastic atmosphere, passionate displays and controversial moments.
Recent contests have been a one sided affair, but at moments of the match it could have been either side’s day. Since the derby game in September 2009 when United just came out 4-3 winners, the Manchester games have lost their touch- with the overall winners playing a comfortable game.
Scores since then have included 3-0, 4-1 and of course that famous 6-1 City victory, which while providing great bragging rights for the winning fans, haven’t produced the most exciting of games.
Sunday’s result signals United’s first derby win in five games and many fans believe this shows they are finally over the “post Fergie slump.” Whilst United fans are enjoying the bragging rights at work today, the neutral fans are still enjoying the fact that there was so much to enjoy. So what made it the best Manchester derby for years?
Whilst only 75,000 lucky fans got to watch the game at Old Trafford, many others were packed out at pubs, homes and offices. Even through the small screen the atmosphere could be felt, the chants heard and the passion of the fans was more prominent than it had been for years.
Louis van Gaal praised the United supporters for their support at the game. The intense atmosphere played a key part in driving the Red Devils on for a win. Van Gaal believes the feel-good factor is back at Old Trafford.
He said after the game: “I was very pleased because the fans are pleased.”
Footballers are frequently being called ‘drama queens’ and criticised for not putting the right tackles in, but yesterday challenges were flying everywhere. Referee Mark Clattenburg had a superb game, managing the high-profile encounter with ease. The most discussed incident of the match was Vincent Kompany’s tackle on Daley Blind.
Whilst the tackle was stronger than probably intended, it showed the intensity of the game. In derby matches players are more focused on wanting to win. Clattenberg dealt with the passion from the players extremely well, keeping players calm and yellow carding players every time they made a slightly miss-timed tackle. The official’s decisions meant the game was able to flow and progress rather than be stop-start every five minutes. He controlled the game but didn’t dominate it which led to a well fought contest between two fierce rivals rather than two teams versus the man in charge.
Social media is the latest way fans can taunt each other and United fans got it just right after the game. After putting up with constant jokes about David Moyes when he was in charge last season, United fans turned the joke around.
“David Moyes you football genius” trended on Twitter in the UK on Sunday evening, alongside pictures of Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata signing for the club. The tweet summed up perfectly the derby – passionate, dedicated and a huge importance for all those involved.
City may be feeling disheartened and sick of all the abuse they are getting from the red side of Manchester, but it looks like the Manc derby is back to its best.
Long may it continue.
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