Aguero settles derby

By Chris
December 21 2014

Sergio Aguero scored the only goal of the game as Manchester United narrowly lost to bitter rivals City, in a game which handed Louis van Gaal a major defensive headache.

Sergio Aguero scored the only goal of the game as Manchester United narrowly lost to bitter rivals City, in a game which handed Louis van Gaal a major defensive headache.

Chris Smalling was sent-off before the half-time break after picking up two yellow cards, and City's man advantage ultimately told in the 63rd minute.

The Red Devils also lost Marcos Rojo through injury, but still managed to produce a determined rearguard display as the home side pressed hard. City's breakthrough came shortly after the hour mark.

Aguero made time and space for himself on the box to powerfully fire home Gael Clichy's cross. However, though United were under intense pressure for much of the game, van Gaal's 10-men rallied in the closing stages and came closing to snatching an equaliser which would have been met by delirium from the travelling Red Army.

Ultimately, a nervous City held on for a first win in four games, whilst United's mini unbeaten run - standing at three games before this fixture - comes to an end.

Full Time - Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United (Attendance: 45,358)