United and City fans clashed outside Old Trafford last night in scenes reminiscent of the sort of behaviour we saw at football grounds in the dark days of the 70s and 80s during the hooligan era.
Although police were forced to intervene and split up the skirmish that erupted outside the club’s megastore, they were quick to point out later in a statement that the evening passed without much trouble with only a handful of arrests and very little trouble.
It wasn’t all sweetness and roses though as not only did fans enjoy a bit of fisticuffs outside the stadium but City fans inside the ground bizarrely took to smashing up the Old Trafford toilets following their side’s loss.
As for the game United’s 1-0 victory over City in last night’s EFL Cup fourth round clash helped restore some pride to the Red half of Manchester following last month’s derby loss and the sight of Pep Guardiola’s side marching to the top of the Premier League.
Juan Mata’s goal may not be the most important of his career, or even this season but in terms of helping to restore a bit of faith among the United faithful it may prove invaluable.