
It merely delays the inevitable but given that they are no longer even the best team in their city, Manchester United will take what they can get for now. Given a chance to seize temporary Mancunian bragging rights, they did so in the most dramatic fashion. Indeed, so convoluted was their victory, City’s first defeat here in the Premier League since 2016, that at times it reminded you of the Manchester City of old. There they were in full cry, cruising towards a record-breaking title win with games to spare. Two-nil up at halftime – it should really have been four – United were plainly embarrassing themselves.