Manchester United finally have a reason for optimism despite defeat in Manchester derby

Hundreds of limbs and elbows were sent flying in the South Stand when Marcus Rashford's thunderbolt stunned the Etihad in the Manchester derby on Sunday.

The Manchester United away section erupted and Rashford celebrated with his supporters. “If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better," he said a few days previously.

Rashford's goal was not in the script and it was one of the finest strikes the fixture has seen in history, but Manchester City inevitably clawed themselves back into the game in the second half and they were value for their 3-1 victory by the time darkness covered the Etihad.

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Some United fans didn't stay for the final whistle and nobody could blame them. City were expected to win the game but that didn't mean the result was any less painful.

After the game, the players approached the South Stand and applauded the supporters who remained. They delivered a spirited performance but fell short and United failing to record a shot after the 23rd minute highlighted the chasm between the two Manchester clubs.

United and City are only split by a postcode but they are a world apart on the pitch and have been for many years. Pep Guardiola's side will remain top dogs unless he leaves or they are found guilty of the 115 financial charges - all of which they deny - still hanging over them.

The Reds recorded the fewest shots against City in a Premier League match this season and when Phil Foden equalised before the hour mark, another goal was bound to happen.

Erik ten Hag has won just one of his five meetings with Guardiola as United boss and Manchester derbies have been