Although we bottled the 1-0 lead to them but I must confess I have never played against such a dangerously aggressive player like Him in the league before”, Man city Star Doku reveals the ONE United player that really surprised Him with His performance yesterday – Not Fernandez and Not Amad

 

 

Jeremy Doku Opens Up About Facing a Surprise Manchester United Star in Stunning Derby Comeback

 

 

 

Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku offered an honest assessment following their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in a fiercely contested derby at the Etihad Stadium. Despite the disappointment of surrendering their early lead, Doku admitted to being taken aback by the performance of one United player in particular. “Although we surrendered our 1-0 lead, I have to admit I’ve never faced such an aggressively dangerous player like him in the league before,” Doku confessed, without naming Bruno Fernandes or Amad Diallo, who were instrumental in United’s dramatic victory.

 

 

 

The match had all the hallmarks of a classic, with City initially appearing to seize control. Josko Gvardiol’s powerful close-range header in the first half gave Pep Guardiola’s men the advantage, setting the stage for what seemed like a crucial victory in their pursuit of the league leaders. The goal capped off a dominant opening spell, and City looked well-positioned to secure just their second win in 11 games across all competitions.

 

 

 

However, Manchester United, under the guidance of their new head coach Ruben Amorim, showed remarkable resilience. The Red Devils have struggled to find consistency this season, but they displayed a newfound grit that proved decisive. The turning point came late in the game, as City’s composure unraveled. Matheus Nunes, in an uncharacteristic lapse, delivered a poor back pass that forced Ederson into a precarious situation. Nunes compounded his error by fouling Amad Diallo in the penalty area, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.

 

 

 

Bruno Fernandes, donning the captain’s armband, stepped up with nerves of steel to dispatch the penalty, wrong-footing Ederson and leveling the score with just minutes left on the clock. The drama didn’t end there. United’s momentum carried them forward, and it was Lisandro Martinez who delivered the decisive moment of brilliance. From deep in his own half, Martinez threaded a sublime through ball to Amad Diallo.

 

 

 

Amad, who had been a livewire throughout the match, exhibited extraordinary composure and skill. With Ederson rushing out to narrow the angle, Amad executed an audacious flick over the onrushing goalkeeper before calmly slotting the ball into the far corner. The finish left City’s defenders, including Gvardiol, helpless and stunned.

 

 

 

The result marked yet another setback for Guardiola’s side, who have now lost five of their last seven Premier League fixtures. The defeat leaves City nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, adding further pressure to an already challenging season.

 

 

 

Player Ratings

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

 

 

GK: Andre Onana – 6.7/10: Made routine saves but wasn’t tested extensively.

 

 

 

CB: Matthijs de Ligt – 7.2/10: Solid defensively and distributed the ball well.

 

 

 

CB: Harry Maguire – 7.3/10: Steady performance with crucial clearances.

 

 

 

CB: Lisandro Martinez – 7.8/10: Outstanding contribution with a key assist.

 

 

 

RWB: Noussair Mazraoui – 7.6/10: Tireless on the right flank, balanced in attack and defense.

 

 

 

CM: Manuel Ugarte – 7.3/10: Anchored the midfield effectively.

 

 

 

CM: Bruno Fernandes (c) – 8.6/10: Inspired his side with a goal and relentless leadership.

 

 

 

LWB: Diogo Dalot – 6.3/10: Struggled to make an impact.

 

 

 

AM: Amad Diallo – 8.7/10: Electrifying performance with a goal and constant threat.

 

 

 

AM: Mason Mount – 6.2/10: Quiet game before being substituted early.

 

 

 

ST: Rasmus Højlund – 6.6/10: Worked hard but lacked clear opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

Substitutes

 

 

 

Kobbie Mainoo (14′ for Mount) – 7.0/10: Energetic display, added drive to the midfield.

 

 

 

Antony (79′ for Mazraoui) – 6.2/10: Limited impact in his brief cameo.

 

 

 

Leny Yoro (79′ for de Ligt) – 6.0/10: Helped shore up the defense late on.

 

 

 

Joshua Zirkzee (79′ for Højlund) – 5.8/10: Struggled to get involved.

 

 

 

Victor Lindelöf (90′ for Amad) – N/A: Came on too late to be rated.

 

 

 

 

 

Subs not used: Altay Bayindir (GK), Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen.

 

 

 

This thrilling encounter reminded fans why the Manchester derby remains one of the most anticipated fixtures in world football. While United celebrated a memorable comeback, City must now regroup and address their growing

 

concerns as their title challenge hangs in the balance.