Pep Guardiola conceded that Manchester United were the “better team” after their 2-0 victory over Manchester City, refusing to blame Diogo Dalot's controversial tackle for the defeat. Michael Carrick's first match as United head coach saw second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secure a dominant derby win at Old Trafford.
Dalot escaped a red card for a high, studs-up challenge on Jeremy Doku in the 11th minute, with VAR deeming the contact 'glancing' and without 'excessive force'. Former referee Mike Dean called it “100 per cent a red card” on Sky Sports, but Guardiola said: “It is easy for me to come here and say it should be a red card. It is not about that; we will not grow up if that is the argument to win or lose a game.”
Guardiola made the shock decision to replace star striker Erling Haaland with 18-year-old Divine Mukasa in the 80th minute, with City trailing 2-0. He explained: “We had new energy. It’s not about just Erling, the energy you pass to them, and them to you; it’s a question of the group.”
City have now gone four league games without a win, sitting six points behind leaders Arsenal, who could move nine clear with victory at Nottingham Forest. Guardiola said: “It is about how we grow up as a team. To be better, you may have to take a step back.”
