Manchester United thrash Manchester City at Old Trafford

Premier League, Old Trafford, Manchester. Manchester United 4 (Young 14, Fellaini 27, Mata 67, Smalling 73) Manchester City 2 (Aguero 8, 89)

Manchester United came from behind to beat champions Manchester City 4-2 at Old Trafford and consolidate their third-place position in the Premier League table.

Ashley Young produced a man-of-the match performance, scoring United's first to cancel out Sergio Aguero's eighth minute opener, then setting up Marouane Fellaini's 27th minute far-post header.

Juan Mata made it 3-1 midway through the second half, before Young provided the assist for United's fourth from Chris Smalling in the 73rd minute.

Aguero netted a late consolation for City, his 100th goal for the club in 158 matches, but the Premier League title holders are now looking back anxiously at Southampton and Liverpool as they seek to secure the fourth and final Champions League spot.

City dominated the early moments with a pressing high line to try to discomfort the United back four, and they deservedly took the lead when Aguero tapped home his first goal in seven matches after slick interplay between James Milner and David Silva down the left.

United levelled in slightly fortuitous circumstances six minutes later, with Young poking home the loose ball at the near post after the City defence had failed to deal with Ander Herrera's inviting cross from the left.

Louis van Gaal's plans obviously centred on trying to spread the play wide and take on the City full backs, and his tactics were further vindicated when his side took the lead on 27 minutes, as Fellaini brushed off Gael Clichy to head home Young's cross at the far post.

City were outplayed in midfield, with Yaya Toure anonymous and Michael Carrick dominant for United, and van Gaal's side added further goals through Mata, from Rooney's round-the-corner pass, and Smalling.

Aguero added a late second for City but Manuel Pellegrini's side, who have now lost their last four away matches in the Premier League, were a well-beaten side by this stage.

- Source: Eurosport