The semi-final matchup between Man City and Man Utd took place on January 7, 2020, ending in a 3-1 win for City. The final goal was an unfortunate own goal by United's Andreas Pereira. The teams will clash once more on January 29th to settle the Carabao Cup tie.
Pep Guardiola was visibly anxious heading into the derby, especially after his side suffered a 0-2 defeat against PSG in the Champions League. Yet, Old Trafford provided a different narrative; City played a near-flawless first half, carving out a 3-1 lead that essentially put one foot in the final. While both teams traded attacks, City struck first with a brilliant goal that looped over David de Gea into the side netting. Bernardo Silva provided the breakthrough in the 17th minute, finishing with elegance just as the United fans were beginning to find their voice.
The Man City and Man Utd fired the balls from foot to foot, but the first goal which passed above the Utd goalkeeper David de Gea’s head and floated to the inside corner of the net. Bernardo Silva very sweetly pockets the 1st volley of the game in the 17 minutes start, after the Man Utd try made the crowd roar.
As the match progressed, City continued to press, though Angel Gomez made a vital block to keep the scoreline respectable. City's momentum remained unchecked; Bernardo worked the ball into the center before finding Riyad Mahrez. After dancing past the United defense, Mahrez slid the ball home to make it 2-0. City's third goal came through a bit of chaos—a shot from player number 17 was initially stopped by the keeper, but a mistake by United's number 15 resulted in the ball ending up in the net. The second half saw United fighting to get back into the game, with captain Marcus Rashford scoring a header with 20 minutes remaining. Meanwhile, Claudio Bravo remained alert, saving a dangerous effort from Anthony Martial.
The last goal for the Manchester City made by the Jersey 17 was blocked by the Man Utd goalkeeper, unfortunately, Jersey 15 of Man Utd foot intervened and the 3rd goal was won the Man City game. The 2nd half of the game was pressure for the Man United, the captain Marcus Rashford butted in 20 minutes before the finish to a goal. The City’s goalkeeper Claudio Bravo blocked another goal from Jersey 53 which was passed by Anthony Martial.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised the quality of the game but reminded everyone that the tie isn't over yet, looking ahead to the January 26th fixture. Although United appeared to be struggling, the memory of City's recent defeat to them in December 2019 suggests that anything is still possible.