Manchester City cruised past Manchester United with embarrassing ease in the derby at Old Trafford winning 3-0
Erling Haaland was the primary tormentor, scoring twice in each half and setting up a third for Phil Foden as Pep Guardiola’s side dominated from the start and never looked like giving control.
Before the game, supporters from both sides of Manchester’s football divide came together to pay respect to the late Sir Bobby Charlton.
The encounter that followed was one to forget for manager Erik ten Hag and his men.
After 26 minutes, Haaland scored from the penalty spot after Rasmus Hojlund was penalized for pulling down Rodri after the video assistance referee intervened.
On the stroke of halftime, United goalkeeper Andre Onana made a superb stop to deny Haaland a second from a far-post header, but the striker did not have to wait long to double City’s advantage from an almost identical scenario four minutes later, Bernardo Silva sending a wonderful cross.
Before halftime, City keeper Ederson saved from Scott McTominay, but the game was sealed when Haaland set up the simplest of chances for Foden 10 minutes from time.
Haaland’s thirst for goals is voracious, and United goalie Onana did well to deny him twice, while the way they exposed the home side’s deficiencies was merciless.
In contrast to United’s haphazard attempts, City were measured, controlled, and moved the ball around with the assurance of a squad aware that they were up against opponents well below their ability.
As City maintained their domination throughout, Foden’s goal made the result feel lot more plausible. Further goals would not have pleased them, especially with the left-flank effort of Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva.
The return of John Stones from injury only adds to their brilliance, as seen by a performance that laid out the job before of anyone attempting to dethrone them.
Thousands of empty seats littered Old Trafford in the latter moments of this derby painted the story of a genuinely awful and chastening day for United.
The stadium was a firestorm of noises following the homage to Charlton as United fans spurred their team on – but the disparity in class was quickly apparent.
United had opportunities, especially when Ederson saved from McTominay and the struggling Rashford put a superb chance wide, but Ten Hag’s side lacked ideas, creativity, and intensity, and were outmanoeuvred by this exceptional City squad.
Hojlund may have given up a penalty, but the youngster’s effort was superb, and Old Trafford reacted angrily when he was replaced.
United appeared to have made strides ahead last season when they defeated City in the Premier League at Old Trafford, but this was a concerning sight for Ten Hag, whose squad appeared to be regressing.
