Manchester City delivered a statement performance at the Etihad Stadium, outclassing rivals Manchester United 3-0 in the Manchester derby. Erling Haaland bagged a brace, while Phil Foden opened the scoring, as Pep Guardiola’s side reasserted their dominance and halted United’s momentum.
First half: Foden strikes and City take control
The match got off to a sharp start for City, with Phil Foden heading home in the 18th minute to give them the lead. The goal stemmed from a fine cross by Jeremy Doku, who had earlier burst through the United backline.
City controlled much of the first half, probing United’s defence, creating chances, and limiting the away side to rare attacks. United looked vulnerable down the flanks and in transitions, unable to break City’s rhythm or force key mistakes.
Second half: Haaland takes over
After the break Manchester City turned up the pressure, and in the 53rd minute Erling Haaland converted, adding City’s second. Doku once again played a pivotal role: after forcing his way past United’s Lenny Yoro, he laid the ball off to Haaland, who chipped it over keeper Altay Bayindir.
Haaland added his second in the 68th minute. Following a turnover in United’s midfield, Bernardo Silva sent a forward pass, leaving Haaland one-on-one with Bayindir. He made no mistake. City’s dominance was clear: from attacks, possession, and control of space, they suffocated any chance of a fight-back from United.
Key players and moment
- Erling Haaland was the standout, as expected: clinical finishing, intelligent positioning, and relentless movement. He nearly claimed a hat-trick after hitting the post with a good chance.
- Jeremy Doku had a strong game, supplying assists and causing constant problems for United’s defence. His crosses were especially dangerous.
- Phil Foden, returning to the starting lineup, made an early impact and showed why he is crucial to City’s attack.
- On the United side, defensive lapses at crucial moments undermined their effort. Failure to close down Haaland, loss of possession in dangerous areas, and a lack of clean finishing from their attacking chances hurt them.
Implications
- For City: The win gives them momentum and morale, especially after some shaky results earlier in the season. It also suggests they are hitting form when it matters, and Haaland is in red-hot goal-scoring form.
- For United: The defeat adds to a concerning start to the campaign. Tactical flaws, defensive instability, and lack of cutting edge in attack continue to haunt them. They’ll need to address these before fixture schedules tighten.
Atmosphere and tribute
The game was also tinged with emotion, as supporters paid respects to Ricky Hatton, the former boxing world champion and lifelong City fan, who passed away earlier that day. Foden dedicated his goal to Hatton.
Final thoughts
This was a dominant display by Manchester City in one of their most anticipated fixtures of the season. Haaland’s brilliance, combined with support from players like Doku and Foden, highlighted the gulf between the sides on the day. United will be left reflecting on what went wrong, while City can take confidence that they can deliver under pressure.
