Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United

Manchester United sealed a memorable derby day comeback win against Manchester City. A brace from Paul Pogba cancelled out the 2-0 half-time deficit, before Chris Smalling volleyed home to gift United all three points.

David De Gea made another sensational game-winning save, Sánchez improved dramatically after the break, and Pogba takes home man of the match awards after an inspired second half showing, here are our player ratings:

David De Gea: 7.5

Gifted Manchester City the opportunity for their second goal after a dreadful bit of distribution. However, he showed his world class ability with a phenomenal save from Aguero in the dying minutes of the game. Unbelievable.

Antonio Valencia: 6

The skipper had the difficult task of dealing with the explosive threat of Leroy Sane. Had a tricky time in the first-half but coped well for the majority of the game.

Eric Bailly: 5.5

Run ragged by City’s dynamic attacking play. Much like United’s performance, he steadied himself after the break and looked like the more assured and confident defender we have seen all season.

Chris Smalling: 6.5

Allowed Vincent Kompany to out-muscle him for City’s opener, but provided United’s last goal, sealing their impressive comeback victory with a composed volley from Sánchez’s delivery.

Ashley Young: 5

One of the luckiest men on the field; firstly, he could've been penalized for a questionable handball in the box before his reckless challenge on Sergio Aguero was waved away. He struggled with the pace and interchangeability of Sterling, Sane and Silva.

Ander Herrera: 7

Impressive performance on his return into the starting line-up. Herrera was one of United’s better players in the first-half. His assist for Pogba’s first goal was exquisite.

Nemanja Matić: 6.5

The big Serbian was caught in possession frequently at the start of the game and found it difficult to follow the free flowing attacking play of City. He was turned by Gündogan for City’s second goal. However, he recovered brilliantly after the break, providing a much more composed performance.

Paul Pogba: 8 (Man of the Match)

Honestly a tale of two halves for our man of the match. Pogba was frustrating and sloppy in the first half, which completely mirrored the Reds’ disappointing display. After the break he was an inspiration. His forward runs and ability to change the game was superb.

Jesse Lingard: 6

Lingard’s performance improved as players around him saw more of the ball. Never stopped running and worked tirelessly throughout.

Alexis Sánchez: 7.5

Similarly to Pogba, the contrast between the two half performances was undeniable. He looked almost clueless in the first-half, whereas his showing later in the game was brilliant. Mourinho bought Sánchez to step up United’s playing style in these big games, and the Chilean provided the creativity they needed. A good performance.

Romelu Lukaku: 6

Tremendously isolated throughout the game, which was largely dominated by City. As we have commented on numerous occasions with the striker, his work rate off the ball is immense.

Marcus Rashford (Sub, 82’): N/A

Too late for a rating.

Scott McTominay (Sub, 85’): N/A

Too late for a rating.

Victor Lindelöf (Sub, 90+4’): N/A

Too late for a rating.

José Mourinho: 6.5

The manager opted to start Ander Herrera in a 4-3-3 formation, which often looked more like a 4-5-1, especially in the first-half as City dominated. The critics and analyzers will be wondering just what Mourinho said to his side at the break.

The Reds came out with a completely different outlook, looking more imposing and threatening, with Paul Pogba the catalyst.