BBM’s Ross Fisher talks us through the Manchester Derby…
Nani’s 94th-minute winner completed a superb comeback by Manchester United as they overcame derby rivals Manchester City to clinch the Community Shield. With no extra-time to be played and penalties looming, the Portuguese winger pounced on some hesitant City defending to run on to a Wayne Rooney clearance, round Joe Hart and slot home.
City had led 2-0 at half-time after a shaky start by United’s Spanish keeper David De Gea saw him beaten by Joleon Lescott’s header and Edin Dzeko’s long-distance drive.
A teary David De Gea told BBMSport is adamant that his long term, long-distance relationship with a football is NOT over.
Wiping a tear away amongst the sound of Morrissey records, the young Spaniard said that facing long shots is not going to be a problem. “I just get nervous that’s all, I feel sick – I’m in love. Hang on, No; football is football here and in any country. I have to adapt quickly and improve on the whole of my game/approach. The ball hasn’t returned any of my calls or letters so maybe it’s time for a change.”
De Gea failed to react quickly enough to Dzeko’s 30-yard strike and was arguably at fault for not coming to collect the cross that led to City’s opener in the afternoon clash at Wembley.
The Spaniard’s blushes were saved by a second-half rally which saw the Red Devils run out 3-2 winners, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s £18million gamble will be questioned if such errors are repeated throughout the season.
Long distances seem to be a bit of a problem for De Gea, the 20-year-old conceded more goals from distance than any other
keeper in the Spanish Primera Liga – 11 (the same number as Ben Foster at Birmingham) – in his final campaign with Atletico Madrid.
Chris Smalling reduced the deficit in the second half when he turned in Ashley Young’s free-kick before Nani levelled before the hour mark by finishing off a stunning passing move.
City held firm and even threatened to retake the lead when Adam Johnson and Micah Richards tested De Gea, but it was United who laid down the marker for the forthcoming Premier League campaign, beginning the defence of their title by collecting more silverware.
In truth, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men could have been out of sight by the time City scored, with new signing Young quickly looking at home down the left flank, but they could not make the most of their vastly superior possession, making City pay for their negative approach and lack of concentration from being 2-0 up at the break.
Manchester United 3
Smalling (52′)
Nani (58′, 90+4′)
Manchester City 2
Lescott (38′)
Dzeko (45+1′)
By Ross Fisher
Twitter – @Ross_Fisher
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