Mixed midweek football fortunes for Manchester's clubs
United and City now level on points in Premier League.
United drew level with City on points in the Premier League as Manchester’s top two sides enjoyed mixed fortunes in their midweek games.
The Reds defeated Watford 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to a Juan Mata free-kick late in the second half. The win now means United are level with their derby rivals on points but sit one place behind them thanks to City’s superior goal difference.
Louis Van Gaal remained pragmatic about his side’s recent form which has seen four straight wins.
The United boss noted: “I think we are doing great the last four matches but still we have to go step by step.''
Manuel Pellegrini’s men suffered something of a Wembley hangover following Sunday’s Capital One Cup win, losing 3-0 to fellow finalists Liverpool at Anfield.
Goals from Adam Lallana, former Blue James Milner and Firmino were enough to see Jurgen Klopp’s team exact revenge for their recent cup final loss to City.
The defeat means the Blues are now ten points off leaders Leicester and level with United but Pellegrini’s men do have a game in hand.
It’s three league losses in a row for City and Pellegrini demanded a response:
“I am not thinking about the title and not thinking about not to qualify for the Champions League.
“It is important to think in the next game (at home to Aston Villa) we need to win because we lost the last three in the Premier League.”