United crush City in Manchester derby

Manchester United produced an outstanding performance in the Manchester derby to beat City 4-2 at Old Trafford in a Barclays Premier League match on Sunday.

Sergio Aguero gave the visitors the lead after eight minutes, tapping home David Silva’s cross from close range.

United were level six minutes later as Ander Herrera’s cross from David de Gea’s long ball dropped for Ashley Young to pounce.

In the 27 minute, Marouane Fellaini rose to meet Young’s cross to put his side ahead.

Juan Mata added a third for United in the 67th minute, connecting with a Wayne Rooney’s through pass to beat Joe Hart.

Chris Smalling then put the game beyond City heading home Young’s free-kick on 74 minutes.

Aguero reduced the deficit in the 89th minute to make it 4-2, but it was too little too late.

The result keeps United one point behind Arsenal in second while City are now in fourth place.

Chelsea needed an 88th minute Cesc Fabregas goal to secure the points and restore their seven-point lead over Arsenal, who have played a game more, in second.

It was far from a vintage performance though and Chelsea, second best throughout, were fortunate to claim victory in a tense west London derby.

The game looked to be heading for a stalemate before Fabregas’ shot – Chelsea’s first on target in the game – found its way past goalkeeper Rob Green.

The win moved the Blues seven points clear at the top of the table while QPR’s defeat keeps them in the relegation zone, two points behind 17th placed Hull City.

It was an ugly end to a volatile clash between the two local rivals.

As the Spain midfielder celebrated the 1-0 win with his team-mates, they had to dodge a variety of objects thrown from the home stands.

Branislav Ivanovic grabbed his neck in pain after being hit by an object. Nemanja Matic was also targeted as coins, a plastic bottle and a cigarette lighter flew towards the pitch.