Manchester City: Juan Mata sends Red Devils into last eight
Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola face off again, this time in the EFL Cup as both sides aim to get back to form.
Manchester United got the better out of Manchester City;
Juan Mata slots home to settle for EFL Cup fourth round tie as Jose Mourinho gets revenge on old foe Pep Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola made nine changes to his Manchester City side, dropping Sergio Aguero to the bench. Jose Mourinho opted to keep a strong side, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba among others
After lacklustre first half, Pogba had first real chance when Willy Caballero tipped his shot onto the post. Minutes later, Juan Mata scored United's winner by slotting home Ibrahimovic's ball across the box.
Say what you like about the suite life of Jose Mourinho, a lonely existence in a hotel room does give a man time to think.
The Manchester United manager would have had many hours to contemplate how to beat his great city rivals and, ultimately, he came up with a cracking plan A. 'I know,' thought Mourinho. 'I'll send out my first team and let Pep Guardiola pick his reserves.' So that's what he did. And, unsurprisingly, through a lone Juan Mata goal, it worked.
Of course, Manchester City's reserves aren't a second string as would be familiar to many Premier League managers. There was still Nolito, Fernando, Jesus Navas and Leroy Sane, so roughly £78million of talent right there.
Willy Caballero dives down to his right but is perilous to stop Juan Mata's shot finding the back of the Manchester City net. Manchester United's Spanish midfielder Mata screams in celebration after opening the scoring in a tight affair at Old Trafford.
As Mata turns to the referee to check his goal stands, City players lie helpless on the turf after conceding against their rivals.
And United fans celebrated as Mata reached the corner flag; his goal sent them on their way to victory over City in the EFL Cup
REACTIONS
PEP: I'm so proud
Pep Guardiola could be forgiven for feeling the pressure - he’s now on the worst run of his managerial career.
Instead, he was effervescent in his praise of his young charges.
Congratulations for United for taking the next step.
I’m so proud for the young players, for how we played.
We had our chances.
I’m so proud.
EFL CUP DRAW
United to face West Ham. Manchester United enjoy a home draw against West Ham!!
Liverpool vs Leeds
Hull vs Newcastle
Arsenal vs Southampton
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