Manchester United Player Ratings & Analysis Vs Manchester City: A Statement Derby Win! ⚽🔥
In this analysis, we break down the standout performances, key stats, and tactical takeaways from Manchester United's statement 4-2 victory.
Manchester United secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over rivals Manchester City in an action-packed derby. Ella Toone stole the show with a stunning hat-trick, while United’s defensive resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive. Let’s break down the key performances, stats, and tactical takeaways from this big win.
🌟 Outstanding Performers (8.0+)
These players were the game-changers, delivering match-winning performances.
🥇 Ella Toone (8.5) – The Derby Hero
⚽ Hat-trick (3 goals from 3 shots on target)
📊 0.98 xG (0.29, 0.63, 0.06)
🎯 57.1% pass completion (12/21)
⚡ 28 touches
🛡️ 3 tackles won
Impact: Toone was simply unplayable, finishing clinically and stepping up in key moments to secure United’s biggest win of the season.
🔝 Very Good Performers (7.5 - 7.9)
These players delivered high-level contributions in key areas.
🔥 Leah Galton (7.5) – The Attacking Threat
⚽ 1 goal (0.5 xG)
🎯 60% pass completion (6/10)
💪 2 tackles won, 3 clearances
⚡ 2/3 successful take-ons
📊 23 touches
Impact: Galton’s pace and movement troubled City’s defence, and her goal was a pivotal moment in United’s attacking dominance.
💪 Strong Performers (7.0 - 7.4)
Reliable and effective, these players contributed to United’s stability.
🔒 Millie Turner (7.3) – The Defensive Shield
🛡️ Team-high 6 blocks (4 shot blocks)
💪 8 clearances
🎯 66.7% pass completion (12/18)
💪 4 aerial duels won
📊 35 touches
Impact: Turner was immense at the back, making crucial blocks and clearances to keep City at bay.
🎯 Celin Ildhusøy (7.2) – The Midfield Enforcer
💪 Team-high 5 tackles (4 won)
🛡️ Team-high 4 interceptions
🎯 59.1% pass completion (13/22)
⚡ 2/2 successful take-ons
📊 34 touches
Impact: Ildhusøy’s defensive work and pressing were key in breaking up City’s build-up play.
🏃♀️ Jayde Riviere (7.1) – The Defensive Engine
💪 Team-high 11 clearances
🛡️ 3 interceptions
🎯 56.8% pass completion (21/37)
📊 Team-high 55 touches
⚡ 2/2 successful take-ons
Impact: Riviere’s defensive work-rate was crucial in keeping City’s wingers quiet.
🧤 Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7.0) – The Shot-Stopper
🧤 6 saves from 8 shots on target (75%)
🎯 30% pass completion (6/20)
📊 21 touches
🛡️ 0/15 crosses claimed
Impact: Tullis-Joyce made some key saves but struggled with distribution and crosses.
🔹 Solid Performers (6.5-6.9)
Steady contributions, keeping United in control.
🔥 Hinata Miyazawa (6.8) – The Playmaker
📊 Team-high 6 progressive passes
🎯 85.2% pass completion (23/27)
🛡️ 2 interceptions, 3 tackles
📊 42 touches🛡️ Maya Le Tissier (6.7) – The Defensive Anchor
🎯 71.9% pass completion (23/32)
🛡️ 5 blocks, 4 clearances
📊 45 touches🎯 Dominique Janssen (6.7) – The Passing Maestro
🎯 Best pass completion: 88% (22/25)
🛡️ 2 tackles, 2 blocks
📊 35 touches
🚀 Impact Substitutes
Short but meaningful contributions.
🔄 Gabrielle George (6.6) – 64 minutes
🛡️ 2 tackles, 1 block
🎯 57.1% pass completion (8/14)
📊 22 touches
🔶 Yellow card🔄 Anna Sandberg (6.5) – 26 minutes
💪 3 tackles (2 won)
🎯 60% pass completion (9/15)
📊 22 touches🔄 Melvine Malard (6.5) – 26 minutes
💪 1 tackle won
🎯 50% pass completion (2/4)
📊 8 touches🔄 Grace Clinton (6.5) – 14 minutes
⚡ 2/3 successful take-ons
🎯 80% pass completion (4/5)
📊 0.15 xG
🔶 Yellow card
📊 13 touches🔄 Rachel Williams (6.0) – 6 minutes
🛡️ 3 blocks
🎯 40% pass completion (2/5)
📊 10 touches
📊 Key Stats & Tactical Takeaways
🔥 Possession & Passing
✅ Most Touches: Riviere (55)
🎯 Best Pass Completion (min. 20 passes): Janssen (88%)
📊 Most Passes Attempted: Miyazawa (27)
🚀 Progression & Creativity
⚡ Most Progressive Passes: Miyazawa (6)
🔥 Most Progressive Carries: Riviere (4)
📊 Highest Progressive Distance: Le Tissier
🛡️ Defensive Solidity
✅ Most Clearances: Turner (8)
🔥 Most Tackles: Ildhusøy (5)
⚡ Most Interceptions: Ildhusøy (4)
💭 Final Thoughts: A Derby Win to Remember 🔴⚪
United’s attacking efficiency and defensive resilience made the difference in this high-stakes clash. Ella Toone’s hat-trick stole the show, while key defensive interventions secured the win.
Data Sources: Fbref, Futmob
📢 Who was your Player of the Match? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️
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