Manchester City delivered a brilliant performance to secure a 3-0 victory over Manchester United, marking their best showing of the season so far. Erling Haaland initiated City’s success by converting a first-half penalty, though it hardly reflected their dominance.
Haaland netted his second with a header just after the halftime break, and he later set up Phil Foden for a late third goal. This comprehensive win was well-deserved for the Treble winners, as they put on a remarkable 90-minute display against their cross-city rivals.
Before kickoff, an emotional tribute was paid to Sir Bobby Charlton, with City representatives Mike Summerbee and Tony Book, along with Brian Kidd who played for both Manchester clubs, warmly welcomed onto the pitch. A minute’s applause reverberated through Old Trafford in his honor.
The game commenced with City initially appearing somewhat disjointed but eventually finding their rhythm, nearly taking the lead in the eighth minute. A lofted pass from Rodrigo found Kyle Walker in the box, whose header met Phil Foden, only for Andre Onana to save the header. Haaland attempted to connect with his foot but couldn’t, and United managed to clear the danger.
United’s strategy was to get numbers behind the City midfield, and their counter-attacks were often threatening, with City’s defense outnumbered on several occasions.
City’s next notable effort was a curling shot by Jack Grealish in the 20th minute, which Onana pushed around the post. City continued to press, and Foden earned a free-kick 35 yards from goal.
As Julian Alvarez’s cross entered the box, Rodrigo appeared to be pulled back by Rasmus Hojlund. Referee Paul Tierney paused the game for a VAR check and concluded that Rodrigo had been fouled, awarding City a penalty. Haaland stepped up and, despite facing criticism from the Stretford End, calmly sent Onana the wrong way to make it 1-0. This was City’s first penalty at Old Trafford since 1992.
The rest of the half saw United largely pinned back in their final third as City dominated possession, with Rodrigo playing a pivotal role.
United had an excellent opportunity to level the score just before half-time as Scott McTominay unleashed a powerful rising shot from the edge of the box, but Ederson made a superb save.
City should have been two or three goals ahead by half-time, but their lead was only 1-0.
United began the second half aggressively, with Bruno Fernandes testing Ederson with a swerving drive. A few minutes later, City extended their lead to 2-0. A purposeful break led to Alvarez finding Grealish on the left, who then delivered a pinpoint cross for Haaland to head home.
Grealish almost added another goal but was denied by Onana, who saved his shot. City continued to dominate, and United struggled to mount a threat.
On 69 minutes, United had a rare attack, with Marcus Rashford missing a chance to score as he sent an angled shot wide. Grealish also had an opportunity to extend City’s lead, but Onana made a crucial save.
City secured the win with a third goal in the 80th minute. Haaland selflessly set up Foden, who calmly flicked the ball into the net. United players received several late bookings as City displayed a statement performance in the rainy Manchester weather.
Overall, it was a vibrant and outstanding 90 minutes from Guardiola’s side.