The Manchester derby may have been on Saturday, but still it continues to generate news stories, such was the incredible nature of the game at Etihad.
League leaders Manchester City knew that a victory against their local rivals United would have secured the most sweetest of title wins, as well as making them the earliest team to have ever wrapped up the title.
United started the game well, but when Vincent Kompany opened the scoring with a thunderous header, and extended it through Ilkay Gundogan, nobody expected anything less than a City win and title party.
However, Jose Mourinho’s side came out with renewed vigour in the second half, and found themselves level just 10 minutes after the restart thanks to a Paul Pogba brace.
Chris Smalling, who had lost Vincent Kompany for the opener at the other end, was the eventual hero scoring what would turn out to be the winner after losing Nicolas Otamendi from a United free-kick.
Speaking to MUTV, United midfielder Ander Herrera, who set up Pogba’s opener with a delicious chested assist, has revealed what was said at half-time to inspire one of the best comebacks in football history.
“[Saturday] was not about tactics. At half-time we just talked about the pride, about the club, this club you can never underestimate it,” he said.
“We didn’t talk too much about tactics, just about our pride. Our pride on the pitch and that our fans were going to have a difficult night if we got beaten. We did it for them, and of course for us and our position, but overall for them.
“It was an important game for our fans. I was feeling sorry for them because it was going to be a difficult day for all of them. But this is Manchester United and nobody should ever underestimate it.
“Everyone was talking at half-time. Of course, the oldest guys with the most experience – Ashley [Young] and Michael [Carrick], who was also in the dressing room – they have power in their words but everyone was talking.”
