The performance of the two main strikers was the factor that made the difference in the Manchester derby on the evening of January 14

The previous meeting between MU and Man City in October, created the Manchester derby with the most goals in history. The rematch, three months later, offers a scenario with fewer goals but equally dramatic. In addition, the result of the confrontation on the evening of January 14 (Hanoi time), also has a meaning related to the race for the Premier League championship 2022/23.

In both of the derbies mentioned above, key strikers such as Erling Haaland and Marcus Rashford became the main actors. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is their performance that has a great influence on the outcome of the match.

The contrast

Rashford entered the history of Manchester United when the goal that sealed a 2-1 victory over Man City in the 20th round of the Premier League. With a streak of nine consecutive goals at Old Trafford, the English striker became the first MU player to repeat this achievement, since Dennis Viollet set it in September 1959. Rashford is also the first MU player to score in seven consecutive matches in all competitions, after Cristiano Ronaldo in April 2008.

For Haaland, the result in the derby made the Norwegian striker mired in the first “dry goal” crisis since he arrived at Man City. The last 3 main kicks for Man City, Haaland were empty (total 280 minutes of play). The performance of Haaland and Rashford also reflects the results of Man City and MU since the end of the 2022 World Cup.

MU plays better, while their city rivals show instability. From a faint shadow last season (scoring only 5 goals), Rashford has scored 8 goals in 7 games since the 2022 World Cup break.

In total, the 25-year-old striker has scored 16 goals so far in the 2022/23 season. It should be remembered that the best goal record Rashford has ever had in a MU shirt before is 22 goals in the 2019/20 season.

Coach Erik ten Hag kept his promise in the summer, when he noticed Rashford’s talent and hard work. The Dutch strategist has built a system to bring out the best in the England striker’s ability.

At the last Manchester derby, Rashford used his speed to target Kyle Walker, who is still struggling after recovering from injury. Had Rashford been sharper, he could have scored from the first half. Impressive form from Rashford is probably the reason why Ten Hag only added Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley in the January transfer window this year.

The tall Dutch striker was present in the Old Trafford stands to see the new team defeat Man City. Weghorst will diversify the attacking options for MU for the rest of the season, but Ten Hag still has to rely on Rashford.

Man City’s problem

The situation in Man City is similar. During his career as a coach, Pep Guardiola always emphasized on the team play and did not want to depend on any star in the squad. However, in this season, with the arrival of Haaland, Pep seems to change.

When the rookie from Dortmund showed a form that was considered “terrible” in the early part of the season, Man City looked very strong. However, when the 2022/23 season of English football passed half way, the results on Man City’s rankings were worse than last season. Man City seem dependent on Haaland’s goals.

When the striker born in 2000 did not score, Pep’s team was in trouble. During the confrontation with MU at Old Trafford, Haaland only had 2 shots. His only significant effort towards David de Gea’s goal was an empty shot, but was saved by Casemiro and Fred.

Man City’s attack really has a problem. After the first half of the last Manchester derby ended, the Etihad Stadium team spent 187 minutes without making a single shot on target from the live ball. It is a statistic not often seen with Pep’s Man City.

Of course, Haaland is still one of the most watched strikers in world football today. Any star has a period of ups and downs in terms of form. However, the way Pep struggled in using the Norwegian striker reflects the situation of Man City at the moment. In the opposite direction, Ten Hag knows how to optimize the qualities of Rashford.