In a Manchester Derby that will be remembered for its sheer one-sided brutality, Manchester City delivered a footballing lesson to their historic rivals, dismantling Manchester United in a devastating 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium. This was more than a win; it was a statement of supremacy that echoed throughout the Premier League.
From the first whistle, the gulf in class was alarmingly apparent. City, orchestrated by the metronomic Rodri, sliced through United's midfield with surgical precision. The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute, and it was a moment of pure, unadulterated quality. Erling Haaland, who tormented the United defence all afternoon, rose majestically to nod a Kevin De Bruyne cross onto the post, only for the alert Julián Álvarez to pounce and fire home the rebound.
Any hope of a United fightback was extinguished just seven minutes later. Again, it was the irrepressible Haaland at the heart of it, turning provider this time with a perfectly weighted pass for Phil Foden. The England star made no mistake, slotting coolly past André Onana to double the lead and effectively kill the contest before half-time.
The second half was merely a procession. Erling Haaland, who had been instrumental in the first two goals, finally got his deserved name on the scoresheet. A lightning-fast City counter-attack ended with the Norwegian phenomenon smashing a thunderous finish into the net, a goal that exemplified power and pace.
The humiliation was complete in the 73rd minute. Substitute Jérémy Doku, on for the brilliant Foden, danced through a beleaguered United defence before squaring the ball for an unmarked Haaland to tap in his second and City's fourth. It was a merciful conclusion to a relentless onslaught.
For Pep Guardiola, this was a tactical masterpiece. His side's hunger and intensity never wavered, a stark contrast to the disorganised and passive display from Erik ten Hag's men. The result sees City continue their imperious form, while United are left with deep, searching questions after a derby day disaster that highlighted the vast chasm between the two sides.
