The Nigerian netted City’s second at Old Trafford in a 2-1 win, doubling the lead given to the visitors by Kevin De Bruyne, before Zlatan Ibrahimovic brought United back into the game on the stroke of half-time.
Advertisement
It was a close battle, but City’s majestic first half proved the difference, with De Bruyne opening the scoring and hitting the shot that rebounded off a post for Kelechi Iheanacho to tap home a second.
Specifically on the display against United, Guardiola said: “The first half was good – our build-up was correct, patient, and we attacked in the right moments”. So I think we read the game really well.
It was the first encounter between Guardiola and Mourinho, former El Clasico sparring partners, since 2013 and gave the former Barcelona coach an eighth win in 17 encounters with the ex-Real Madrid manager.
“The first half was their half and they got what they deserved”.
But with the Manchester-born forward making a difference during the second-half of the defeat against City, Mourinho admits he can no longer hold him back.
“The performances are the deciding factor”, he said.
“Despite the result on Saturday, there is positive momentum behind the team this year and we expect this season to be one of the most exciting in the Premier League’s history”.
“So you never know the way players are going to react, especially when you don’t know them so well”.
Mourinho took responsibility for mistakes in the team set-up and, despite insisting they were not the only poor performers, suggested the duo could have come off sooner. The contest saw the visitors, particularly in the first half, again produced the sort of slick, passing football with which their new manager had been associated.
Carragher also said United must look to Pogba’s Juventus performances for ideas of how to get the best out of him, with the Sky Sports pundit saying a midfield three is the best way to make up for the Frenchman’s defensive incapabilities.
“I had to try hard to convince him to choose us instead of the other one”.
Advertisement
“We are fathers. I am a father, he’s a father, so I didn’t come here to see about the rivalry”. That is what I tried to say after the game.
