Frank Lampard believes Manchester United played for a draw against Manchester City on Thursday night and was surprised by how deep Jose Mourinho’s side were.
Manchester United averaged just 37 percent possession at the Etihad and created few chances as they battled for a share of the spoils that left them a point behind fourth-placed City in the table.
Mourinho’s men sat back for large parts of the game as City dominated the ball, although they came extremely close to opening the scoring shortly before half time through Ander Herrera.
United, who saw Marouane Fellaini sent off in the 84th minute after he clashed with Sergio Aguero, failed to come much closer to opening the scoring and their tactics came under intense scrutiny after the game.
“I’m slightly surprised,” Lampard told Sky Sports. “We did feel that he was going to defend deep. They definitely played for that. They didn’t overcommit players at any stage. I think Martial played like a left-back at times.
“I give real credit to the midfield – not to Fellaini for what happened at the end – Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera worked their socks off. The back four moved from side to side. When you look at the table, maybe you see why they played for it, as the top four is in their hands still.
“I don’t think Mourinho wanted to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City tonight. He looked at the bigger picture. They got the result they wanted, and they’re happy in the dressing room, for sure.”
Manchester United must now turn their attentions to Sunday’s clash with Paul Clement’s Swansea City side, who have won just one of their last seven league games.
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