Juan Mata gave Manchester United a timely shot in the arm as Jose Mourinho's men extended Manchester City's alarming winless streak to progress to the EFL Cup quarter-finals
Man United's Juan Mata (right) during their League Cup fourth-round match vs Man City at Old Trafford last night. Pics/Getty Images
Manchester: Juan Mata gave Manchester United a timely shot in the arm as Jose Mourinho's men extended Manchester City's alarming winless streak to progress to the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
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Both sides' need for a win added intrigue to an already mouth-watering derby, with Pep Guardiola's men unable to eke out victories of late and United reeling from Sunday's 4-0 humiliation at Chelsea.
Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho gestures to his team during the match
Mourinho apologised for the unacceptable result at his former stomping ground and went some way to making amends on Wednesday, with Mata's strike securing a 1-0 triumph that condemned Guardiola to a sixth successive winless match for the first time in his managerial career.
City not the same side
City were a far cry from the side that had at times lit up Old Trafford last month, but that was little surprise given the main protagonists were absent.
City manager Pep Guardiola consoles Aleix Garcia after the defeat
Mourinho made a comparatively restrained four alterations to the side humbled at Stamford Bridge.
Willy Caballero impressively tipped a Paul Pogba strike on the post when United first threatened after half-time, but the City goalkeeper was unable to prevent Mata sweeping home minutes later.
United held on to knock out the reigning champions and secure Mourinho just his fourth win against Guardiola, which will surely put a smile on the Portuguese's face.