Putting in what was a stunning performance at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, Manchester City cruised their way to a 3-0 romp against their bitter local rivals.
Opening the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first-half as the record-breaking Erling Haaland powered home, Pep Guardiola’s side quickly ran rampant and cashed in on a Manchester United squad that find themselves in the midst of an extended rut.
With Erik ten Hag’s men struggling to find any kind of stability on either side of the half-time break, the defending champions doubled their lead just four minutes after the restart as Haaland notched his 11th domestic strike of the season.
Making what was a major statement of intent and extending on their stellar recent record against United, it was eventually England international Phil Foden who wrapped up a convincing victory as the 23-year-old tapped home from close range with just 10 minutes left.
Although Manchester City might not have been able to dethrone Tottenham at the top of the Premier League standings, Sunday’s performance would have certainly been heard across the country.
With the Red Devils now sat eight points adrift of breaking into the top-four, there is some growing pressure on ten Hag’s shoulders.
On an afternoon when City claimed Manchester bragging rights thanks to a famous performance at Old Trafford, we have taken a look at the key talking points.
City demonstrate just what they are capable of
Heading into October’s international break by losing each of their final three domestic appearances across all competitions, many were wondering if Manchester City would show any signs of a hangover when returning from the fortnight interval.
However, extending on their Champions League romp in midweek as they claimed a 3-1 victory away at Swiss-based giants Young Boys, Guardiola’s side have their sights firmly set on making even more history this year.
Becoming the first English club since 1999 to be crowned treble champions last season, the former Barcelona boss finds his superstar squad tipped as a standout contender to once again defend their domestic title this time around.
Laying down what was a stunning marker here and putting in what will be regarded as their most polished performance since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, City have given themselves a major platform to build on.
Appearing to be firing on all cylinders and with Sunday’s 3-0 romp certainly acknowledged across the Premier League, it is hard to see who can stop this current City crop.
Who can stop Haaland this season?
While it might be Lionel Messi who is set to get his hands on an eighth Ballon d’Or crown, Haaland has continued to cement his spot as Europe’s new poster boy.
Breaking a string of Premier League records since completing a blockbuster move from German giants Borussia Dortmund last year, the Norwegian superstar appears to be cruising his way to another Golden Boot this season.
Causing United’s leaky defence a string of issues here and unlucky to have not left Old Trafford with another Premier League hat-trick to his name, it remains to be seen who can stop Haaland and his stunning domestic romp.
Receiving a string of praise from Guardiola after bagging a classy brace on Sunday afternoon, there is no doubt that Haaland has a crucial role to play across all fronts this season.
Now notching a staggering 47 Premier League strikes in his first 45 top-flight appearances since arriving among England’s elite last year, it is no surprise that the 23-year-old will steal most of Sunday’s headlines.
United back to their defensive worst
While Manchester United might have snatched a crucial 1-0 Champions League victory against Copenhagen earlier in the week, ten Hag’s side certainly came crashing back down to earth in a speculator fashion here.
Although the Red Devils might have been more than aware that they faced a monumental challenge when their bitter local rivals arrived at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, the former Ajax boss saw his struggling squad get blown away on home soil.
With the Old Trafford support making their frustrations clear on either side of the half-time break, it appears that there is some mounting pressure on ten Hag’s shoulders.
With Sunday’s 3-0 drumming now meaning that United already sit eight points adrift of breaking into the top-four, ten Hag has received some hefty criticism since returning from the summer interval.
Gaining a real reputation for their rather glaring defensive struggles and already shipping 16 Premier League strikes in their first 10 appearances, the Reds face what will be a major uphill battle in their bid to claim another European ticket this season.
Match Report
Manchester United: Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Lindelof, Eriksen, Amrabat, Fernandes, McTominay, Rashford, Hojlund
Subs: Antony, Reguilon, Mount, Martial, Garnacho
Manchester City: Emerson, Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Stones, Rodri, Silva, Grealish, Alvarez, Foden, Haaland
Subs: Kovacic, Doku
Goals: Haaland (26’ P, 49’), Foden (80’)
Yellow Cards: Manchester United: Onana, Amrabat, Antony, Fernandes – Manchester City: Foden
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Paul Tierney
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