There was skill, tension and no little controversy as these bitter rivals met in the top flight for the 150th time, with Pep Guardiola’s men looking to gain bragging rights at a ground that has been so good to them recently.
But the City boss would lose his first Premier League match at Old Trafford as Ederson floundered, having failed to deal with Martial’s superb volley before gifting McTominay the chance to add stoppage-time gloss as the Manchester derby ended 2-0.
United’s first home league win in the Manchester derby since April 2015 was a welcome shot in the arm as they bid to qualify for the Champions League, although the result may hasten bitter rivals Liverpool’s title triumph.
But the Old Trafford faithful will not care after the hosts held firm during a strong City start and went ahead through a stunning set-piece routine – from a free-kick City could not believe was given, following a challenge on Bruno Fernandes by Ilkay Gundogan – as Fernandes’ delicate clipped ball over the back line was volleyed through Ederson’s grasp by Martial.