The spark behind the heated brawl between MU and Man City in Premier League round 16 has been revealed, igniting chaos at the Etihad Stadium

The Etihad Stadium buzzed with intense energy as Manchester United triumphed over Manchester City with a thrilling 2-1 victory in the Premier League’s 16th round. The match wasn’t just a battle for points but also a stage for dramatic confrontations, sparked by a heated altercation involving Kyle Walker.
The Controversial Incident
Tensions flared late in the first half when Walker pushed Rasmus Højlund from behind during a heated exchange. Højlund, clearly enraged, pursued Walker, leading to a face-off that escalated rapidly. Walker then fell to the ground, alleging a head strike from Højlund, a claim that only intensified the drama.
Chaos ensued as all 22 players converged in a furious melee, shoving and shouting as emotions reached boiling point.
Criticism from Pundits
The incident drew sharp criticism from football pundits and former players. Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville condemned Walker’s actions:
> “It was poor from Walker. Falling like that to avoid contact is embarrassing. Watching it back won’t be easy for him.”
Roy Keane echoed this sentiment, expressing his disappointment:
> “A player of Walker’s experience behaving this way is disgraceful. If I were the referee, I’d have shown him a red card.”
Former referee Mike Dean also weighed in, suggesting that Højlund’s actions were minimal:
> “Walker overreacted—there wasn’t much force in the supposed strike.”
Maguire’s Reaction
Harry Maguire, Manchester United’s former captain, appeared especially incensed by the scuffle. He confronted City players, demanding accountability from Walker. However, his protests were quickly shut down by Erling Haaland, Ederson, and others who defended their teammate.
How It Ended
The referee diffused the situation by issuing yellow cards to both Walker and Højlund, though the tension lingered well into the game. Reports later suggested that Walker continued to provoke his rival with taunts, further stoking the rivalry.
After the match, Højlund took to social media to mock Walker, posting a photo of their clash with the cheeky caption:
> “A great performance. But the Oscars go to…”
United’s Resilient Comeback
Despite trailing after Josko Gvardiol’s 37th-minute header, courtesy of a pinpoint Kevin De Bruyne cross, Manchester United fought back with grit. Late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo turned the game around in the dying minutes, securing a crucial win.
This marked United’s first consecutive away victories since May, strengthening their bid for a European qualification spot.
City’s Struggles Continue
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City faces mounting challenges. With just one win in their last 11 games and eight losses, the defeat to their arch-rivals only adds to their woes.
The fiery on-field clash and United’s hard-fought victory have deepened City’s frustrations, leaving them searchi
ng for answers in an increasingly turbulent season.