Twitter Reacts as Marcus Rashford Scores to Win Manchester Derby for United

It was precisely the fixture Manchester United needed as they looked to return to winning ways and charter a path back to the Premier League's top four: Manchester City away.

The 171st Manchester derby pitted fourth against sixth, though Louis van Gaal's men could pull to within a point of the UEFA Champions League places with victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

David De Gea saved from Jesus Navas in a bright opening for City, but it was the visitors who took the lead thanks to Marcus Rashford:

Question marks were raised over Martin Demichelis' defending for the goal:

"

Live footage of Demichelis running after Rashford #MCFCvMUFC pic.twitter.com/4JLOWhBNiM

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferby5) March 20, 2016"

The same two players were involved again when Demichelis was fortunate not to give away a penalty as half-time approached.

Along with Joe Hart, who was substituted because of an injury, manager Manuel Pellegrini pulled the Argentinian defender less than 10 minutes after the restart. City fans weren't too devastated:

"

Man City fans to Demichelis...https://t.co/mPP4LRpcUX

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) March 20, 2016"

But the concern over Hart's withdrawal was felt across the country:

The home side continued to pressure their visitors, whose fans were starting to worry:

But United held on for a vital three points in the race for Champions League football next season; the gap is just one point between the two rivals:

Manchester City's title challenge, however, looks dead and buried:

Next up for Pellegrini's men is a trip to Bournemouth on April 2, while United host Everton the following day.

[Twitter]