Why Rashford was CLEARLY offside BUT referee awarded United the goal

After a heavily tactical first half with both sides taking less risks, it took tactical tweaks in the second half to get the coming in.

Substitute Jack Grealish made the difference in the 60^th minute, only three minutes after coming on for Phil Foden. He had the instant impact, jumping to the highest to meet Kevin de Bruyne’s cut-back as David de Gea sprinted back into position. A little too late for the Spaniard.

Jack Grealish opened the scoring for Manchester City against United AFP

Manchester United responded in the 78^th minute in a controversial referee decision with Marcus Rashford, who was very clearly offside, was deemed not to have impacted play as he covered the ball before Bruno Fernandes slotted home.

empty AFP

However, the linesman initial decision of offside was overruled as the referee awarded the goal.

Marcus Rashford found the second goal for Manchester United in the 82^nd minute to gain lead.

Alejandro Garnacho slid it in from the left and Rashford was there in hand to poke it past Ederson from close range.

The victory, proves Erik ten Hag’s desire to probe his team on the pitch. Speaking before the match, he noted his intentions clearly; “We have to prove [how far we've come] on the pitch. There is only one truth and it is always on the pitch," he said.

Manchester United vs Manchester City AFP

"It is not coming overnight, there has been a process in the last months where we develop, progress.

"We have to be brave, act with belief and play our game. We took the lesson and from that point on we make huge progress. We have to continue that process."

Though tinged with controversy, a win is a win and it was entirely the decision of the referee.