Manchester City earned bragging rights over their next-door neighbours following a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford today.
The Cityzens are two points off the Premier League summit after extending their recent dominance over their arch-rivals, having now won five of the last six head-to-head meetings.
Fresh from a three-match winning streak in all competitions, Old Trafford paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before kick-off, and it was the hosts who started the 191st edition of the Manchester derby on the front foot.
Man United top scorer Scott McTominay nearly handed Erik ten Hag’s side an early lead but his effort was saved by Ederson.
His opposite number Andre Onana produced an acrobatic dive to deny Phil Foden and recovered in time to deny Erling Braut Haaland a rebound.
After an end-to-end opening 20 minutes, Man City drew first blood just before the half-hour mark, with Haaland converting a penalty after Rasmus Hojlund was penalised for a foul on Rodri.
Haaland’s 10th Premier League goal of the 2023/24 campaign handed Man City control of the proceedings, forcing Man United to chase the game.
Ten Hag’s side nearly came up with a reply before half-time as McTominay saw his venomous effort superbly thwarted by Ederson before Onana responded with an astonishing save of his own to deny Haaland a brace.
Man United ended the opening period on the front foot, but it was Man City who kicked off the second half with renewed vigour, and it didn’t take long for them to double their advantage.
Having failed to double his tally before the break, Haaland got his second of the evening just four minutes after the restart, heading home from Bernardo Silva’s perfectly weighted delivery.
That goal stunned the home crowd into silence, with Man City putting themselves in firm control of the game.
However, Marcus Rashford came close to handing the Red Devils a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining, but his effort failed to hit the target.
Man City added a late third with Haaland turning provider this time, selflessly setting up Foden to tap home from close range and secure maximum points at Old Trafford.
The result moves Man City level on points with Arsenal in second as they continue their pursuit of a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Man United have now lost five of their opening ten league games and will be offered a chance to return to winning ways when they take on Newcastle United in the League Cup.
