The Red Devils eked out a narrow and much needed win against rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of a solitary goal from teenager Marcus Rashford. 

 

Manchester United moved to within a point of rivals Manchester City with a crucial victory at the Etihad Stadium. The Red Devils withstood a sustained assault from the Citizens in the second half, after an early first-half goal from Marcus Rashford put them in the lead.

After the match, manager Louis van Gaal stated that the dressing room atmosphere was very positive, and insisted that Manchester United could make a serious push for a finish in the top four.

“I have seen the dressing room after the match and it was fantastic, the happiness,” the Dutchman said, according to the Guardian.

“Now you have a big possibility. The players feel that and I can only give a compliment to all the players that they can give this. I am very happy for the fans because it means a lot to win against City.”

The former Barcelona boss added that the fact that his side have more home games scheduled for the rest of season would work to their advantage.

The clash between red and blue

Ever since Manchester City received a huge injection of cash that elevated the club to the summit of the English Premier League, they have triumphed over their more illustrious neighbours on several occasions. Heading into the match on Sunday, City had won six of their last 10 Premier League derbies, with the Red Devils winning only three. City had even beaten Manchester United four games in a row between 2013 and 2014.

Van Gaal’s side have managed to turn the tide around — their win at the Etihad Stadium now makes it two United victories in the last three derbies. However, the addition of Pep Guardiola to this volatile mix could prove to make the derby an even more intriguing affair, particularly if Jose Mourinho takes over at Old Trafford in the summer.

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