The Etihad Stadium was bathed in blue joy as Manchester City swept aside city rivals Manchester United with a commanding 3-0 victory in the latest Premier League Manchester Derby. Pep Guardiola’s men were at their very best—attacking relentlessly, defending with composure, and led by an irrepressible Erling Haaland.
First Half: Foden Strikes Early
The game began with City’s trademark intensity, and it wasn’t long before the breakthrough came. After 18 minutes, Phil Foden nodded home a pinpoint cross from the lively Jeremy Doku to give the hosts a deserved lead. Foden’s movement and composure brought the Etihad crowd to its feet and set the tone for the rest of the contest.
Second Half: Haaland Steals the Show
After the restart, United’s defense buckled under constant pressure. Erling Haaland grabbed his first goal of the match in the 53rd minute, coolly chipping the ball over United’s keeper Altay Bayindir after a perfectly weighted pass from Doku. Haaland’s strength and positioning left the visitors with no answer.
City’s dominance continued, and in the 68th minute, Haaland doubled his tally. Pouncing on a United mistake, he raced clear from the halfway line and slotted home, sealing both his brace and United’s fate for the evening.
Defensive Masterclass & Doku’s Display
While Haaland and Foden took care of the goals, City’s defense, organized by Ruben Dias and aided by debutant Gianluigi Donnarumma, kept United’s chances scarce. When United did threaten—most notably through Bryan Mbeumo—Donnarumma was there with a crucial save.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku’s skill and energy on the flank were a constant menace, and his two assists underlined his growing importance to Guardiola’s plans.
United’s Struggles Continue
For United, it was another frustrating night. Despite glimpses of promise in attack and a solid first half, lapses at the back and missed opportunities left them empty-handed, slipping to a worrying spot in the table as the pressure mounts on manager Ruben Amorim.
Final Score: Manchester City 3-0 Manchester United
Goals: Foden (18’), Haaland (53’, 68’)
A Derby to Remember
City fans will savor this derby display—one of ruthless quality and familiar blue dominance. As the season builds, Pep Guardiola’s men have served notice that they remain the team to beat not only in Manchester but across the Premier League. United, meanwhile, will hope to regroup and rediscover their form soon.