In a dominant display at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Manchester City secured a commanding 3-0 victory against arch-rivals Manchester United. Erling Haaland was the star of the show, netting two goals that ensured City maintained bragging rights in this Premier League derby clash.
Phil Foden opened the scoring in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a superb cross from Jeremy Doku to head the ball into the net for his first goal of the season. The youthful winger Doku proved a thorn in United’s side throughout the game, using his pace and skill to keep the visitors’ defense on constant alert.
Haaland’s first of two clinical finishes came in the 53rd minute, taking advantage of Doku’s strength to break past defenders and delicately chip the ball over goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. He doubled his tally in the 68th minute, showing blistering pace to outrun Harry Maguire and slot home another one-on-one chance against Bayindir.
Despite some efforts from Manchester United, newly managed by Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils appeared toothless and lacked cohesion in attack. Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made a vital save to deny Bryan Mbeumo, but overall United struggled to create substantial chances, ending the match with a frustrating 0-3 defeat.
This win elevates Manchester City to eighth place in the Premier League table, closing the gap to the top four, while Manchester United remains down in 14th with just four points from four matches. Pep Guardiola’s side demonstrated their dominance in Manchester, securing a comprehensive derby victory with clinical finishing and team discipline
United’s False Position in the Table
Remarkably, United entered the derby sitting above City in the league table for the first time in five years. But that statistic reflected City’s uncharacteristic early-game stumbles rather than any genuine progress under Amorim.
The Portuguese manager has endured a torrid start to the season. United have collected just four points from their opening four league fixtures and were also embarrassed in the League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town.
Amorim has also managed just eight wins in 31 Premier League matches since arriving at Old Trafford.
Emotional Tribute to Ricky Hatton
Before the match, rivalries were set aside as both sets of supporters united to honour boxing icon Ricky Hatton, who died earlier on Sunday at the age of 46. A lifelong City fan, Hatton’s image was displayed on the big screens during a heartfelt minute’s applause inside the Etihad.
Donnarumma Shines on Debut
While Haaland stole the headlines, City’s newest signing Gianluigi Donnarumma also impressed on his Premier League debut. The Italian goalkeeper produced a spectacular save to deny Bryan Mbeumo and prevent United from gaining any foothold in the contest.
The victory leaves City six points behind early leaders Liverpool. For Guardiola, the result is a much-needed boost ahead of a demanding week in which his team will face Serie A champions Napoli in the Champions League and Arsenal in a potential title-shaping Premier League clash.
“We needed this,” Haaland admitted after the match. “You always want to win the derby but you could feel it extra today. I’m so relieved, so happy we managed to do it altogether. We have to keep going.”
