Derby Shock: United Edge City as Guardiola Concedes the Better Team Won
17 January 2026
Derby night: United strike early and hold firm
Guardiola remains optimistic about the Premier League title race.
Manchester United's win came at Old Trafford as they defeated their local rivals 2-0, in a match that kicked off matchweek 22 of the Premier League under new coach Michael Carrick.
Guardiola's reflections and the road ahead
City boss Pep Guardiola admitted that United were the better team and deserved the victory, noting the visitors had more energy on the day.
He also pointed to late chances for City and conceded that the goals City conceded were not well executed; overall City were not in control, leaving room for analysis.
Guardiola emphasized that the contest should be viewed as a whole, since United appeared the stronger side on the balance of play.
Regarding the atmosphere, he said the crowd started strong, which is normal in a derby, especially with a new coach on the bench.
He added that City did not threaten much, did not deliver many crosses, and did not move the dial; success ultimately comes from what you do with the ball, not just without it.
On late substitutions, including a change to give Haaland some rest, Guardiola explained the team regrouped and energy returned, stressing that the number of opportunities matters most.
When asked about a potential red card for Dalot, Guardiola suggested some may think so, but the focus should be on performance rather than disciplinary calls as the path to improvement.
On the gap to Arsenal, he noted the season is long and that City must continue to evolve, possibly adjusting their approach as the campaign unfolds.
United's 2-0 win lifted them to 35 points in fourth place, while City remained on 43 points in second.
Punchline 1: If patience were a tactic, United just made it their new wingman.
Punchline 2: City hit the post so often tonight that even the crossbar filed for a loan.
