Gary Neville says two Manchester United players simply had to do more in second half vs Man City

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Gary Neville feels Manchester United needed more from Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford in the second half at Manchester City today.

Manchester United took a surprise early lead at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday thanks to a Marcus Rashford stunner.

There had been plenty of talk during the build-up to the Manchester Derby about Rashford’s recent form.

The Englishman answered his critics by beating Ederson from range with an exceptional strike to give United an unlikely lead to defend.

Erik ten Hag’s men defended resolutely right up until the 56th minute as Phil Foden produced his own spectacular goal from range.

It’s fair to say that City dominated for large periods of today’s game and United struggled to cause any real threat in the second period.

And Gary Neville feels that United’s wide players, Alejandro Garnacho and Rashford, needed to do more in the second half.

Rashford and Garnacho had to do more in second half of Manchester Derby

Speaking on Sky Sports, while Neville admitted it was ‘tough’ for both Rashford and Garnacho, he feels United needed better second-half performances from their wide players.

“It’s tough for United,” the United legend said. “It’s tough for Garnacho and Rashford but they do need more from them in those wide areas.”

He later added: “As they got pushed further back, it became a real struggle for Garnacho and Rashford in this second period.”

Rashford was replaced by Antony in the 75th minute. The 26-year-old had a couple of decent opportunities in the first half but failed to make the most of them.

He was limited to barely any opportunities in the second period as City pressed for all three points.

As for Garnacho, it was a surprise to see him remain on the pitch ahead of Rashford. Omari Forson eventually replaced the 19-year-old and you can only sympathise with the duo.

They looked a real threat on the counter in the earlier stages of the game but as United dropped deeper, it became more difficult for them to impact the game.

City’s persistence eventually paid off as Foden struck once again and Erling Haaland wrapped up all three points in stoppage time.