Manchester United completed a stunning comeback to beat Manchester City 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium, delaying their title celebrations in the process, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

The game got off to a slow start with both teams looking to find their feet. Pep Guardiola’s team then turned on the style and took the lead with 25 minutes gone. Leroy Sane whipped in a corner which was met by Vincent Kompany, whose bullet header left David de Gea with no chance.

Soon it was 2-0 to City and United were reeling. A poor goal kick from De Gea saw the Citizens break forward. Raheem Sterling then picked out Ilkay Gündogan, who expertly turned Nemanja Matic and curled his shot into the bottom corner.

It was all City and they could have easily killed the game off. Sterling had a number of opportunities and could have had a hat-trick if it weren’t for some very poor finishing by the Englishman.

Somehow it was only 2-0 at the break, United with an abject first-half performance as it looked as if City were destined for a big celebration.

Jose Mourinho’s men knew that a special second-half performance was needed if they were going to avoid an embarrassing defeat at the hands of their rivals.

Whatever Mourinho said at half-time certainly fired up the United players as they come out for the second half.

With 53 minutes gone, United were back in the game. Beautiful build-up play by Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrera saw the ball played to Paul Pogba, who poked the ball past an out-rushing Ederson.

The Etihad was then rocked as United grabbed the equaliser two minutes later. A delightful ball by Sanchez over the top found the run of Pogba who made no mistake with his header. City looked shocked as United were somehow level.

The Red Devils were then in dreamland as they completed the turnaround on 69 minutes. A Sanchez free kick found Chris Smalling in the box and the defender smashed his volley into the back of the net.

City then pushed forward looking for an equaliser and came close through substitute Sergio Aguero. A Sane cross found the Argentinian in the box, but his header was spectacularly saved by the outstretched arm of De Gea.

After cruising at half-time, no one could have anticipated the stunning turnaround. City’s title celebrations are put on hold for another week after suffering their second loss of the season.

Photo: Richard Sellers/Backpagepix