Arsene Wenger Names 2 Man United Stars to Blame for Manchester Derby Humbling

Arsene Wenger Names 2 Man United Stars to Blame for Manchester Derby Humbling

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:13 PM
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  • Arsene Wenger has taken issue with the performance of Jadon Sancho and Antony during Man United's defeat at the Etihad Stadium
  • Sancho and Antony were drafted into the starting XI during the Manchester derby to lead the goal hunt alongside Marcus Rashford
  • However, Wenger contends the duo did not do enough to contribute positively to United's defence during the clash
  • The Red Devils lost 6-3, with Man City putting four past them in the first half courtesy of a double each from Haaland and Foden

Arsene Wenger has singled out two Manchester United stars for blame for the Red Devils' defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

United were ripped apart by a resurgent City side during the first Manchester derby of the new season.

Man United, Man City, Etihad Stadium, Manchester derby, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho, Antony.
Erling Haaland jumps high for a header during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Photo by Simon Stacpoole.
Source: Getty Images

The match saw Erling Haaland and Phil Foden net a hat-trick each as the reigning English champions sunk Erik ten Hag's charges 6-3.

The hosts needed just 45 minutes of action to take an early 4-0 lead, with United left trailing at the interval.

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Haaland and Foden both netted twice in the first 45 minutes of the match to hand City an edge into the break.

The scoreline, no doubt, left United deflated as they fought their way back into the match in the second half.

Arsene Wenger blames Jadon Sancho, Antony for Manchester derby defeat

While much of the blame was placed on United's defence for the score line, Wenger contends the duo of Jadon Sancho and Antony was responsible for the result.

According to the former Arsenal boss, the two did not do enough to cover United's backline deficiencies.

"What is for me unbelievable in the first half is that Man United has defended so badly on the flanks," said the former Arsenal manager on beIN Sports via Metro UK.

"From the first minute on Diogo Dalot got a yellow card and Sancho and Antony did not contribute defensively. They were, in the whole half, flooded on the flanks and they were always in trouble."

Man United fans spotted leaving the Etihad early

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Manchester United fans could be seen leaving the Etihad Stadium en masse after just 45 minutes of action in the Manchester derby.

The fans' decision to leave the facility came when they were trailing rivals Man City by four goals at the break.

Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scored two goals each in the first half of the mouthwatering clash, before adding two more goals after the break.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.
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