4 tackles, 6 chances created, 4 big chances, 1 assist: magical star pulled the strings as ruthless United sunk City 2-0

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes dazzled, leading his side to a fantastic 2-0 victory over cross-town rivals Manchester City.

United sink City

Michael Carrick enjoyed a dream start to life as interim United boss as Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu fired the side to a dominant win over Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing City.

United exploded out of the blocks, nearly drawing first blood inside minutes. A header from Harry Maguire left the crossbar shaking. Carrick’s men continued to apply the pressure and they came very close on multiple occasions. Amad and Fernandes both found the back of the net but their goals were ruled out for very marginal offside calls.

The hosts picked up where they left off after the break, with Mbeumo and Casemiro forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into two good saves.

United finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute from a blistering counter-attack. A sensational team move was fittingly finished by Mbeumo, who slotted home after meeting Fernandes’s perfect pass.

Dorgu made it 2-0 to United just 11 minutes later when he demonstrated some excellent movement to shake off Rico Lewis and turn in a cross from substitute Matheus Cunha.

Amad nearly added to Guardiola and City’s woes but he hit the post. A would-be third from Mason Mount was disallowed for offside, though it was a mere footnote as United secured all three points in the derby.

Fernandes’ performance

Playing in his more natural number 10 position, Fernandes delivered with trademark brilliance.

He put in an incredible 12 passes into the final third. He also created six chances, four of which were big chances.

The Portugal international contributed an additional eight recoveries and four tackles.

Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Manchester City:

12 passes into the final third
8 recoveries
6 chances created
4 big chances created (bloody hell!)
4 tackles
1 assist

Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/vO14nlR6Yi

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 17, 2026

To put into context just how well Fernandes performed, he created as many chances as all the City players combined.

Bruno Fernandes created as many chances (6) as every single Manchester City player combined.

Unreal. pic.twitter.com/CKwtFcajd6

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 17, 2026

Fernandes has also created more big chances in a game (4) than any other player in the Premier League this season – an achievement he has managed twice.

Bruno Fernandes has created more big chances in a game (4) than any other player in the Premier League this season. And he’s done it TWICE.

There are no words. pic.twitter.com/QSiZiZG1hg

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 17, 2026

United are next in action next Sunday when they face table leaders Arsenal at the Emirates.

featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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