Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City cruised to a derby-day win against rivals United at Old Trafford.
The Norwegian star could in truth have had a hat-trick and more as Pep Guardiola’s side dominated Erik ten Hag’s men from start to finish.
After the city united to pay their respects to Sir Bobby Charlton, it was the visitors who had the first real chance eight minutes in.
A fabulous Rordi pass allowed Kyle Walker to help the ball back into the danger area where a Phil Foden header was just about clawed out by Andre Onana with Haaland closing in.
Jack Grealish then saw a shot in the 20th minute saved by Onana as Guardiola’s men began to exert their superiority.
They got their big chance to go in front with 25 minutes on the clock when Rasmus Hojlund was adjudged to have hauled down Rodri in the area after a VAR check. Haaland then needed no second invitation to put City in front from the spot.
By this point, the visitors were dominant and seemed to be cruising towards half-time until Ederson was forced into a fine stop to deny Scott McTominay in first-half stoppage time.
Then at the other end, it was Onana’s turn to produce a stunning save, this time keeping out a Haaland header.
He would not be denied for long though as a fine sweeping move just four minutes into the second half ended with Haaland heading home an almost identical chance from a Bernardo Silva cross.
City were seemingly cruising but almost had their lead cut in half when Marcus Rashford broke in behind but could only drag his shot wide.
Onana was then called into action to deny Haaland a hat-trick 20 minutes from time, denying the Norwegian one-on-one.
The third goal did come on 79 minutes, Onana parrying Rodri’s shot into the path of Haaland who squared for Foden to tap the ball home.
1. Ederson 7
Fine stop denied Scott McTominay in first-half stoppage time having been a spectator at times. Also kept out an effort from Bruno Fernandes.
2. Kyle Walker 6
Often had room to run down the right and nearly laid on an early goal for Foden. Put in a decent shift but did let Rashford in behind in the second half.
3. John Stones 8
Key touch denied Hojlund when the striker threatened to break clear in the first half. Strode into midfield and beyond at will.
4. Ruben Dias 7
Solid enough but in truth, will have busier afternoons at the heart of the City defence.