Pellegrini

Five lessons we learned from Man United’s crushing derby win over their neighbours.

UNITED ARE BACK IN THE BIG TIME

For much of the season United seemed to be in false position, with their performances hardly giving the impression they belonged in the top four. But now – whether by luck or design – something seems to have clicked for Louis van Gaal and United are now playing with a cutting edge and with confidence. A Champions League return now looks likely.

CITY ARE IN CRISIS

City’s results since going joint top of the Barclays Premier League on New Year’s Day make abysmal reading for a side of their quality. Their run of four league wins in 12 games – during a period in which they also went out of two cup competitions – surely constitutes a crisis for a club with their expectations. The already considerable scrutiny on manager Manuel Pellegrini will increase another notch.

FELLAINI CONTINUES TO HIT BACK

For much of his first season at United, Marouane Fellaini looked out of touch and possibly out of his depth. That has all changed in the last few months as he has become increasingly important to Van Gaal. The midfielder uses his strength to great effect as United continue to loft the ball forward to him and teams find him difficult to dispossess.

END OF LINE FOR CITY'S CHAMPIONS

There can be little doubt that the City team, the core of which has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup, is coming to the end of its lifespan. Reinvestment is clearly needed in the summer and, on this evidence, the back four would be a priority.

UNITED NEED TO IMPROVE DEFENSIVELY TOO

For all that United went on to dominate the game, City started superbly, reminding everyone of the quality they do still possess. They troubled United repeatedly at the back, where the central defensive partnership of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones again looked vulnerable.