For team manager Ralf Rangnick from Manchester United, the sporting gap to city rivals Manchester City is currently blatant. “They are one of the best teams in the world and we have a long way to go to close this big gap,” said the German coach after the bitter and well-deserved 4-1 derby defeat at the Premier League leaders on Sunday.
Kevin de Bruyne put City on the road to victory with a brace in front of 53,165 spectators at the Ethiad Stadium (5th/28th). Riyad Mahrez made the preliminary decision with a dropkick from the edge of the penalty area in the 68th minute and also scored the final point (90th). Former Dortmund player Jadon Sancho scored the equalizer for the guests after a counterattack with a remarkable flick (22′).
“It was a difficult game that showed how big the gap is with them right now,” said Rangnick, whose side were without Cristiano Ronaldo and slipped to fifth place in the English elite division. National player Ilkay Gündogan came on as a substitute for City in the 80th minute.
Pep Guardiola’s team led the Red Devils in phases – in the last 15 minutes United only had eight (!) percent possession of the ball. “The greatest success for me is that after three championship titles we continue to perform as we do,” said Guardiola.