The vital Lindelof moment that helped Man Utd secure derby win

Manchester United's derby victory over Man City was founded on a lightning fast counter-attack in the first half, and resolute defence in the second.

After early goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, the inevitable reaction came from Pep Guardiola's side at the Etihad Stadium.

And although Nicolas Otamendi scored from a corner — to the chagrin of Harry Maguire who was gutted that United conceded via a set-piece — the visitors' defence was otherwise solid.

United fans on social media picked out Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for special praise, as both pulled off several last ditch tackles and blocks to deny City a route back into the contes.

One Lindelof moment in particular has been highlighted by fans as vital to the win.

It came on the 54-minute mark at the Etihad with United still leading 2-0 at that stage but City laying siege to David de Gea's goal.

United looked to have cleared through a combination of Wan-Bissaka and Fred, before Rodri won it back for City just outside the penalty box and fed in Kevin de Bruyne. It was the kind of chance the City and Belgium supremo scores, but he was thwarted by a despairing Lindelof block, which ensured the ball ricocheted over the crossbar for a corner.

Lindelof punched the air in delight and was congratulated by Luke Shaw, Maguire and De Gea and it was a microcosm of his masterful defensive performance in the derby.

United would hold out until the 85th minute when Otamendi pulled one back, but Lindelof's block was a whole half hour before that and helped his team secure the three points.