City outclasses United in Manchester derby to reach League Cup final

City will meet Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley in the April 25 final as it seeks its fourth League Cup trophy in as many years.

Published : Jan 07, 2021 08:37 IST

Fernandinho made sure of the win seven minutes from time with a stunning volley as he pounced on a headed clearance from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Manchester City reached its fourth straight League Cup final as second-half goals from John Stones and Fernandinho gave Pep Guardiola's side a 2-0 win over Manchester United in Wednesday's semifinal at Old Trafford.

City will meet Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley in the April 25 final as they seek their fourth League Cup trophy in as many years.

In a frantic opening to the game, both teams had efforts ruled out for offside with Stones turning the ball into his own net but being saved by the flag and Ilkay Gundogan converting a low ball in from Phil Foden but, again, the attempt was rightly ruled out.

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Kevin De Bruyne struck the post with a thundering drive from outside the box before Foden also put the ball in the net for City but the visitor was foiled by offside once again.

It was an open and entertaining game with City looking sharper but United competitive as they sought revenge for last year's defeat by their neighbours at the same stage of the competition.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City celebrates as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the Carabao Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 06, 2021 in Manchester, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

City went ahead five minutes after the break when Foden whipped in a free kick from the left through a crowded box and defender Stones bundled a cross home at the back post, the ball going in off his thigh.

United keeper Dean Henderson produced a brilliant save to tip over a strike from Riyad Mahrez, after the Algerian had burst forward from the halfway line.

Fernandinho made sure of the win seven minutes from time with a stunning volley as he pounced on a headed clearance from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

United has now lost at the semifinal stage in its last four Cup campaigns, leaving manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still searching for his first final since taking over at the club.