Pep Man City Boss Even If No CL Qualification | RockSport

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Pep Man City Boss Even If No CL Qualification

Marcus Rashford has now scored five goals in eight Manchester United appearances

Man City 0 Man U 1

Marcus Rashford became the youngest scorer in the history of this derby in the Premier League as his winner gave Manchester United a victory that moved them to within one point of fourth-placed Manchester City.

Rashford showed his precocious skill at 18 years and 141 days with a demonstration of lightning pace and skill to skate past City defender Martin Demichelis before showing composure to slide a 16th-minute finish past keeper Joe Hart.

It was a calamitous day for City and manager Manuel Pellegrini. Not only did they slump to a loss that leaves them fighting off Sunday’s opponents and West Ham for a top-four place, they had England goalkeeper Hart carried off early in the second half as he rescued his side from a desperate Demichelis back pass.

City, as well as England manager Roy Hodgson, will hope the injury is not serious, with captain Vincent Kompany already out for the foreseeable future after a recurrence of the Belgium defender’s calf problem.

Raheem Sterling also went off injured early, a worry for City with a Champions League quarter-final against Paris St-Germain on the horizon.

Pep Guardiola will be Manchester City manager next season even if the club do not qualify for the Champions League.

The Bayern Munich coach has signed a three-year contract to succeed Manuel Pellegrini this summer.

Sunday’s defeat by Manchester United has put City’s top-four place in doubt, leading to discussion over whether Guardiola has an escape clause.

But ROCKSPORT has learned no break clause exists, so the 45-year-old Spaniard will join in July as planned.

Sunday’s defeat means City are in the fourth and final Champions League qualifying slot, a point above West Ham and Manchester United.

All three teams have played 30 Premier League games.

Former Barcelona boss Guardiola has never coached in the Europa League.