On September 10, 2016, the intense tactical rivalry between Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho arrived in the Premier League as Manchester United hosted Manchester City in a fever-pitch Manchester Derby at Old Trafford.
Guardiola's side produced a first-half tactical clinic of positional play. In the 15th minute, Kevin De Bruyne reacted faster than Daley Blind to pounce on a flicked header from Kelechi Iheanacho, slotting past David de Gea. De Bruyne struck the post in the 36th minute, allowing Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho to tap into an empty net to double City's lead to 2-0.
Manchester United fought back when new signing Zlatan Ibrahimović volleyed into an open goal just before half-time following a mistake from City debutant Claudio Bravo. Despite a frantic second-half bombardment featuring Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, City's defensive unit held firm under immense pressure.
The 2-1 away victory gave Pep Guardiola early bragging rights in Manchester and signaled City's emergence as the dominant tactical force in English football.