EPL: Rashford fires Man U to derby glory

Marcus Rashford continued the dream start to his Manchester United career by scoring the only goal of the game in his side’s 1-0 victory over local rivals Manchester City on Saturday.
It was the visitors who took the lead, though, as Rashford burst past Martin Demichelis into the area before keeping his composure to beat Joe Hart and mark his Manchester derby debut with a goal.
That goal gave United a boost and they almost added a second in quick succession when Anthony Martial span into shooting space before seeing his powerful 25-yard effort beaten away by Hart.
City began to create the better chances once again as the half wore on, with Toure coming close with a curling effort that bounced just past the post before failing to get a clean connection on an opening at the back post under heavy pressure from Michael Carrick.
United arguably should have had the last laugh at the end of the half, though, as Rashford went down under the challenge of Demichelis and was unfortunate not to see Michael Oliver point to the spot kick in the final minute of first-half stoppage time.
The second half started no better for the beleaguered Demichelis as his back-pass in the very first minute sold Hart short and forced the keeper to come off his line and clear the ball. In doing so, the England number one pulled his calf and had to leave the field on a stretcher as a result, being replaced by Willy Caballero.
Demichelis was hauled off himself moments later as Manuel Pellegrini opted to move Fernandinho back into an unfamiliar centre-back role, and the Argentine’s replacement Wilfried Bony almost made an immediate impact but couldn’t connect properly with a header at the back post.
City’s pressure began to grow with their desperation for an equaliser, and they came within inches of getting one in the 66th minute when Aguero got across his man and planted a near-post header against the upright.
Navas had another powerful effort that flew over the bar as City’s shot count grew, although few of them tested De Gea as United continued to hold on.
The hosts were given six minutes of added time to find a leveller, and they perhaps should have done in the first of those when Aguero took Silva’s pinpoint pass down inside the area, only to drag his shot wide of the near post.
United clung on for a priceless victory for their Champions League hopes, moving level with West Ham United and one point behind Pellegrini’s side, who remain 15 adrift of leaders Leicester City.