Ten-man Reds lose derby

It was City who earned the bragging rights in the 168th Manchester derby this morning – through Sergio Aguero’s second-half winner - despite the best efforts of ten-man United at the Etihad Stadium. The Reds were forced to play over half the game with one man less than the Blues after Chris Smalling was dismissed for two bookable offences. Aguero netted the vital strike just after the hour but United made it a real battle for the hosts in spite of the numerical disadvantage. But even so, a loss is a loss, and is counted as such in the league table. Loser van Gaal seriously needs to pull his weight if the Reds are to stay in the Premiership, let alone make it to the Champions League, next season.