> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://the-overrated-player.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Pragmatist’s Manchester Derby Recap - URL: https://the-overrated-player.ghost.io/the-pragmatists-manchester-derby-recap/ - Published: 2026-09-14T18:28:53.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-14T18:28:53.000Z - Author: The Overrated Player Manchester is still decidedly blue. ‘Super’ Mario Balotelli confirmed as much with a typically acerbic Instagram post. The departure of long-serving trophy magnet Pep Guardiola and Manchester United’s strong finish last season under Michael Carrick had fooled many a Red Devils fan into thinking a change of guard was in the offing. The reality check Hull City handed United in their season opener should have dampened their supporters’ blind faith. But they naïvely believed that all the kinks had been ironed out after Man U’s emphatic thumping of Ipswich in their second league game. Their next game at Old Trafford ended in a 4-0 Champions League win. Was the result a reflection of the quality of the opposition or an improvement in Carrick’s squad? ### Watershed moment Manchester City’s visit to the Theatre of Dreams was meant to be the litmus test. The first 10 minutes of the encounter suggested Man U could go toe-to-toe with their more expensively assembled rivals. They were dangerous and seemed superior to the Citizens, who were uncharacteristically sloppy in possession. Elliott Anderson hurled himself recklessly into tackles in an effort to drag his team into the game. Phil Foden’s sending-off 23 minutes in was the cue for the hosts to smash their heel into their opponent’s neck till they spat out three points. The watershed moment from which to begin the reversal of City’s Gulf oil-fueled reign over Manchester. But it wasn’t. Instead, Man U used the opportunity to highlight the absence of quality in their ranks and the distance they have to go to experience anything near their Noisy Neighbors’ recent Guardiola-inspired success. ### Dalot, oh Dalot A commentor on a tweet showcasing Diogo Dalot’s on-field contributions yesterday wondered how a team of United’s stature could still field such a wing-back. I can’t help but agree. I have nothing personal against the Portuguese, but his performance yesterday, as in a few other matches, proved that he’s far from Premier League-worthy. How he got away with a comical header into the path of the lethal Erling Haaland, I don’t know. It should have been a cue for him to get his head in the game. But he kept on doling out possession in critical areas, somehow managing to escape unpunished. He was as blunt in attack as he was reckless in defence, fluffing his lines when a glorious cross found him alone in the City box. On another occasion, Dalot quashed a promising Man U attack by wandering offside when in a good position to cross. ### Patrick Dorgu better? His colleague on the other extreme of Manchester United’s defence put in an equally abysmal shift. Hence his honorable mention by other commentors to the aforementioned tweet. Huff and puff, but no real substance. His half-hearted challenge on Josko Gvardiol allowed the City defender’s cross to reach Haaland at the far post. The resulting goal is still undergoing a lengthy post-mortem (there’s been an apology from the referees association, calling the decision to let it stand an ‘error’). But the points have been awarded and, as Carrick acknowledged in his post-game presser, life has moved on. ### Not up to snuff Back to our unofficial player ratings. I think United need to give a candid assessment of the value for money they’re getting from Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. That they’re decent, hardworking forwards who can produce moments of brilliance is in no doubt. But for a team that once boasted such goal machines as Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, they feel below the required standard. Especially with a player like Haaland on their rivals’ books. If the late chance had fallen to Haaland instead of Mbeumo, the spoils would have been shared. Benjamin Sesko- does he have the tools to blossom into a world-class number 9? Will Joshua Zirkzee ever catch up to the pace of the Premier League? These are the striking options Carrick is working with, and I don’t envy him. ### Too early to call out Youri? Is it just me or does Youri Tielemans look like a shadow of his Aston Villa self in the Manchester United jersey? In a game where United had the numerical advantage, the Belgian did not attempt even one of his trademark shots. Was this down to the gaffer’s instructions? If it was, we should also look into whether the coaching is bringing out his best. Surely Kobbie Mainoo could have hung back and allowed Tielemans a crack at goal. Pundits are saying that he played his best game as a Red Devil yesterday. I hope he has a few more gears to go up or the $47 million splashed out for his signature may prove an ill-advised investment. ### Rising midfield general There is saving grace for Manchester United. While other midfielders were hiding in the shadows or testing the referee’s patience, Kobbie Mainoo stamped his authority on the game. Robust in the press, sure-footed in possession and dangerous in the final third, the young Englishman must have warmed the heart of the watching Thomas Tuchel. The German would have also been encouraged by Marcus Rashford’s improving form. He didn’t find the back of the net, but he hit its side early in the game. He was also unlucky to see his free kick come back off Gianluigi Donnarumma’s post. I’m not too optimistic about United’s chances of bagging any silverware this season and I would urge their fans to temper their expectations. While there are some pockets of quality, the Red Devils are far short of the weapons needed to trouble the EPL top four. Am I wrong?