Alan Shearer thinks Manchester United’s bravery was the key behind their 2-1 win over Manchester City yesterday evening. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were 2-0 up inside 30 minutes at the Etihad Stadium.

The BBC pundit says the Red Devils were prepared to play through City’s press, and then exploit them on the counter-attack with their opponents lacking numbers to cover the spaces they left:

“City played right into United’s hands, they (United) exploited it brilliantly in terms of how quick they were in attack, they had the width, the pace and the intensity.”

“They attacked with aggression and time after time, City left three on four and United punished them. It’s no exaggeration, it could have been and should have been four or five.”

“They opened them up with ease every time they went forward. When teams are brave and prepared to get through their press, it’s there for you. There’s lots of space, City just couldn’t handle them. They should have scored more goals.”

United could have easily sat deep and allowed City to come on to them in the first half but Solskjaer surprised Pep Guardiola with his approach.

It was a risk that could have gone either way as it relies on your attacking players being precise in possession and clinical in their finishing. United’s frontline managed it on the day.

The task now is to ensure this happens on a more regular basis. Inconsistency has been United’s major failing this season and supporters will be hoping the win in the derby can lead to some better form over the coming weeks and months.