The Match: Reds Beaten

Here’s our in-depth take on the champions’ chastening Manchester derby defeat...

The match One to forget. Quickly. Sergio Aguero’s opening goal was a marvellous finish which lifted the home side, but it was Yaya Toure's close range conversion on the stroke of half-time which did for United. A devastating opening to the second period yielded close-range volleys for the unmarked Aguero and Samir Nasri, before United were stung into life. Wayne Rooney fired over from close range, Marouane Fellaini brought a fine save from Joe Hart and Patrice Evra headed against the post, before Rooney finally beat Hart with a superb late free-kick. Sadly, it was too little, too late.

Goals It will be lost amid a chastening afternoon, but Rooney’s 25-yard free-kick compares favourably with any of his previous set-pieces for the club.

Subplot The absence of the injured Robin van Persie provided a glimpse of life without United’s top scorer, but that's not to provide an excuse as City’s display was clinical.

Star men There was a marked improvement in United’s all-round display after conceding the fourth goal, but Wayne Rooney gave a sustained display of the battling spirit required by the fixture, and his fine free-kick – which made him the highest goalscorer in Manchester derby history – perhaps salvaged the merest sliver of consolation from the afternoon.

Opposition City were impressive from the off, and used Aguero’s opening goal as a launchpad for a dominant display brimming with confidence and desire. United were unable to match the hosts’ sharpness and desire until it was too late.

Move of the match Shortly after Nasri’s strike, a low cross from Chris Smalling was neatly dummied by Welbeck, only for Rooney to scoop his finish over the bar from 12 yards.

In the stands The home support were in understandably fine fettle all afternoon as their side ran riot in the Manchester sunshine. However, the travelling contingent were sparked into life by City’s fourth goal and belted out lasting renditions of ‘We’ll never die’.