Although we bottled the 1-0 lead to them but I must confess I have never played against such a dangerously aggressive player like Him in the league before”, Man city Star Doku reveals the ONE United player that really surprised Him with His performance yesterday – Not Fernandez and Not Amad. This is a player even die-hard fans wouldn’t expect!🤯 Cause he rarely started this season
Jeremy Doku Reflects on Unexpected Manchester United Star in Dramatic Derby Defeat
Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku opened up after his side’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United in a thrilling derby at the Etihad Stadium. Despite the frustration of losing their 1-0 lead, Doku admitted to being stunned by the performance of one United player. “Even though we lost our early lead, I have to say I’ve never encountered a player as aggressively dangerous as him in the league,” Doku shared, though he refrained from naming Bruno Fernandes or Amad Diallo, who were key to United’s dramatic win.
The match had all the elements of a classic derby, with City initially in control. Josko Gvardiol’s powerful header in the first half gave City a deserved lead, and they appeared set to secure a vital victory in their battle for the title. The goal capped off a strong start, and City seemed on track to claim just their second win in 11 matches across all competitions.
However, Manchester United, led by their new coach Ruben Amorim, showed remarkable resilience. Despite struggling for consistency this season, United’s fighting spirit proved crucial. The game took a dramatic turn late on, as City’s composure faltered. Matheus Nunes made an error with a poorly placed back pass, which forced goalkeeper Ederson into a difficult situation. Nunes further compounded his mistake by fouling Amad Diallo in the penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty.
Captain Bruno Fernandes confidently stepped up and dispatched the penalty, leveling the score in the dying minutes of the game. The drama didn’t stop there. United surged forward, and Lisandro Martinez played a brilliant through ball to Amad Diallo.
Amad, a constant threat throughout the match, displayed great composure. As Ederson rushed out, Amad flicked the ball over the goalkeeper before calmly finishing into the far corner, leaving City’s defenders, including Gvardiol, helpless.
The defeat was another blow for Pep Guardiola’s side, who have now lost five of their last seven Premier League games. The result leaves City nine points behind leaders Liverpool, adding more pressure to their already challenging season.
Player Ratings:
Manchester United
GK: Andre Onana – 6.7/10: Made routine saves but wasn’t heavily tested.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – 7.2/10: Solid defensively with good ball distribution.
CB: Harry Maguire – 7.3/10: Steady performance with vital clearances.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – 7.8/10: Vital contribution with a key assist.
RWB: Noussair Mazraoui – 7.6/10: Tireless work on both ends of the pitch.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – 7.3/10: Anchored the midfield well.
CM: Bruno Fernandes (c) – 8.6/10: Led by example with a goal and leadership.
LWB: Diogo Dalot – 6.3/10: Struggled to make an impact.
AM: Amad Diallo – 8.7/10: Electrifying performance with a goal and constant threat.
AM: Mason Mount – 6.2/10: Quiet performance before being substituted.
ST: Rasmus Højlund – 6.6/10: Worked hard but didn’t have clear opportunities.
Substitutes
Kobbie Mainoo (14’ for Mount) – 7.0/10: Added energy and drive to the midfield.
Antony (79’ for Mazraoui) – 6.2/10: Limited impact in his short appearance.
Leny Yoro (79’ for de Ligt) – 6.0/10: Helped stabilize the defense.
Joshua Zirkzee (79’ for Højlund) – 5.8/10: Struggled to make an impact.
Victor Lindelöf (90’ for Amad) – N/A: Came on too late to be rated.
Subs not used: Altay Bayindir (GK), Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen.
This thrilling encounter reminded fans why the Manchester derby remains one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures in football. While United celebrated their stunning comeback, City now faces the task
of regrouping as their title hopes hang in the balance.
