The Manchester Derby is always a highly anticipated affair, but the 2016 clash between Manchester United and Manchester City was particularly memorable. It was a night of thrilling action, dramatic goals, and a display of footballing prowess that left fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s dive into the highlights of this unforgettable encounter.
A Tight First Half with a Touch of Controversy
The first half was a tense affair, with both sides playing with intensity and determination. Neither team was able to dominate possession early on, but both Manchester United and Manchester City created chances to take the lead. The first real opportunity came in the 20th minute when Zlatan Ibrahimović, playing for Manchester United, unleashed a powerful shot from close range. However, Claudio Bravo, the City goalkeeper, made a brilliant save to deny the Swedish striker.
As the half progressed, Manchester City started to gain a foothold in the game. They were playing with more purpose and were creating more clear-cut opportunities. In the 36th minute, City was awarded a penalty after a foul by Daley Blind on Raheem Sterling. The penalty was a controversial one, as the initial contact seemed to be outside the box. However, the referee pointed to the spot, and Sergio Agüero stepped up to take the penalty. He sent David de Gea the wrong way, and City took the lead.
Manchester United Fight Back with a Stunning Goal
Manchester United was visibly shaken after conceding the penalty but quickly found their rhythm. They were able to regain control of the game and started to threaten the City defense with a series of dangerous attacks. The equalizer came in the 42nd minute when a brilliant cross from Wayne Rooney found the head of Juan Mata. The Spanish midfielder rose above the City defense and expertly headed the ball past Bravo.
A Second Half Filled with Drama and Excitement
The second half continued with the same intensity as the first. Both teams were determined to secure victory, and the game was filled with action from start to finish. In the 58th minute, Zlatan Ibrahimović had a golden opportunity to give Manchester United the lead. He received a pass from Paul Pogba and found himself one-on-one with Bravo. However, the Manchester United striker’s shot was saved by the Chilean goalkeeper.
A Late Winner for Manchester City
Manchester City then started to dominate the game and were able to create a number of chances. In the 83rd minute, a powerful shot from Kevin De Bruyne came close to finding the back of the net but was expertly saved by de Gea. However, City wasn’t going to be denied for long. In the 86th minute, a clever backheel from Sergio Agüero found Ilkay Gündogan in the box. The German midfielder calmly slotted the ball past De Gea, giving Manchester City the lead once again.
A Moment of Controversy and a Stunning Comeback
However, the drama wasn’t over. In the 90th minute, Manchester United was awarded a penalty of their own. The referee pointed to the spot after a foul by Nicolas Otamendi on Marcus Rashford. Zlatan Ibrahimović stepped up to take the penalty, but his shot was saved by Bravo. This was a crucial moment in the game, as it could have given Manchester United a chance to equalize in the dying moments.
A Final Whistle and an Unforgettable Night
However, Manchester City held on for a hard-fought victory. This game was a real rollercoaster of emotions, with dramatic moments and controversial calls throughout. The final score was 2-1 to Manchester City, who moved to the top of the Premier League table with the victory. This was a match that will live long in the memories of fans, a clash between two titans of English football that will be remembered for years to come.
“This was a classic derby match,” said former Manchester United legend Gary Neville. “Both teams played with tremendous intensity, and the game was full of drama and excitement. It was a great advert for English football.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who scored the goals in the MU vs MC 2016 match?
A: Juan Mata and Zlatan Ibrahimović scored for Manchester United, while Sergio Agüero and Ilkay Gündogan scored for Manchester City.
Q: Was the penalty given to Manchester City in the first half controversial?
A: Yes, the penalty was controversial as the initial contact seemed to be outside the box. However, the referee decided to award the penalty to City.
Q: What was the final score of the MU vs MC 2016 match?
A: The final score was 2-1 to Manchester City.
Q: What was the significance of this match for the Premier League table?
A: This victory moved Manchester City to the top of the Premier League table.
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