MAN UTD 2-1 MAN CITY
Marcus Rashford equalled a 2003 Ruud van Nistelrooy record as Manchester United stunned their city rivals in a pulsating derby. City were still fuming over a Bruno Fernandes goal when Rashford scored the winner.
United had the better of the first half, at Old Trafford, but Rashford spurned two of their clearest chances. City took over the game, after the break, and led through a Jack Grealish header, just after the hour mark.
As the game was drifting towards Pep Guardiola’s 10th win over Manchester United, as City boss, there was a huge moment of controversy.
A through-ball intended for Marcus Rashford looked to be certain to be flagged for offside. However, Rashford never touched the ball and, instead, left it for Fernandes to sweep home.
The flag was initially raised for offside but, after some sideline consultation, the decision was made to award the goal.
Bruno Fernandes causes scenes at Old Trafford! 💥
His goal is ruled onside after the linesman initially put his flag up! ✅ pic.twitter.com/AJDIGH2Be5
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 14, 2023
While retired referee Peter Walton told BT Sport that Rashford had not touched the ball or impeded a player before Bruno Fernandes scored, the City players surrounded the match officials. They were irate but there was nothing they could do.
Still reeling from that goal, City were then left 2-1 down when Alejandro Garnacho teed up Rashford to slide home with the winning goal.
To add insult to Manchester City injury, they were then denied a late Erling Haaland penalty despite a VAR check, when the striker went down in the United box.
That Rashford goal was his ninth in successive games, equalling a record set for the club by Ruud van Nistelrooy, 20 years ago. The City loss means Arsenal could go eight points clear at the top of the league if they beat Spurs.
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