It was Juan Mata’s day who did everything right to steer his team Manchester United into the League Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over their bitter and local rivals Manchester City on Wednesday as Jose Mourinho got one over old adversary Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard pounced a drive low into the corner from Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s pull back and the rest was all done to perfection. In this game, Manchester City’s boss Pep Guardiola made nine changes to his side that are now six games without a win in all competitions which is his worst run as a manager.
However, they got a better chance much early when Kelechi Iheanachi headed over from six yards, while in the second half Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero made a little impact which could not offer many results. This was United’s second victory in five matches and fourth for Jose Mourinho in 18 meetings with Guardiola.
This was a perfect match as both Mourinho and Guardiola were under immense pressure and this clash at Old Trafford had all the spice of a derby encounter. United offered little-attacking threat however it gained control of the game and were continuously making attempts to score a goal and mount pressure on the opposite team.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on responding to Sunday’s 4-0 league defeat at Chelsea said: “We were on a good run of results but it was a big defeat – numbers that the history of this club doesn’t deserve.
“When I’m in a club my heart belongs to the fans and I felt deeply for them.
“The reality is that I never had people like these ones. We lost 4-0 and they were supportive.
“Today the stadium was full of real support and it looks like the love people have for the club is bigger than bad results, bigger than three bad seasons. We must give something back.”
While Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said: “I’m proud of the young players and how they played.
“At that level, you need to be more clinical with the last pass but it’s difficult against United. We are happy. I want to try to win but now we’ll focus on the next competitions.”
