Manchester Derby: Ruthless City humiliate United at the Etihad

Manchester City tore through Manchester United in Sunday’s derby at the Etihad, with Erling Haaland delivering yet another masterclass as Pep Guardiola’s men bounced back in style.

Phil Foden opened the scoring before Haaland struck twice, the Norwegian combining lethal finishing with tireless defensive work to complete a dominant display.

By the 80th minute, City were cruising at 3-0, while Ruben Amorim’s United offered little resistance despite changes that saw Zirkzee and Casemiro introduced late on.

This was as complete a performance as City have produced all season, their pressing, possession, and cutting edge leaving United second best in every department. Yet, for all their dominance, this remains arguably the most vulnerable City side of Guardiola’s era, a weakness Tottenham and Brighton have already shown can be exploited.

But for United, it was the same old story under Amorim: another flat, lifeless showing from a team struggling to match Premier League-level opponents.

The result lifts City to eighth, three points off the top four and six behind leaders Liverpool. They also leapfrog United, who sink to 14th, stuck on four points alongside Brentford, Brighton, Nottingham Forest and promoted Leeds.

On his debut, Gianluigi Donnarumma showed exactly why City brought him in, producing a crucial stop to deny Bryan Mbeumo. A subtle set, explosive push, and perfect timing, the kind of save that steadies a backline and electrifies teammates.

At the Etihad, Haaland may have been the finisher, but Donnarumma’s moment was the reassurance City badly needed.