Manchester City defeated their rivals, Manchester United 3-0 in the first Manchester derby of the 23/24 season, completely outplaying them at Old Trafford.
Fans are already engaged in heated debates about the penalty decision early in the game. Rasmus Hojlund impeded Rodri in the box to give away what many would consider an incredibly soft penalty decision.
And when called upon, Erling Haaland convincingly found the back of the net to open the scoring for the Sky Blues. The Norwegian had the opportunity to double his side’s lead shortly after, but his headed effort was denied this time by Andre Onana, who pulled off a remarkable save.
On the other hand of the field, Scott McTominay had a great chance to equalise but Ederson flew to his right to keep the Scottish midfielder out.
Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City: Haaland shines as Manchester derby ends in humbling for United
Shortly into the second half, Haaland got on the end of an inch-perfect cross from Bernardo Silva to score with a thumping header to double City’s lead.
Erik Ten Hag’s half-time introduction of Mason Mount didn’t have much effect on the game since Manchester City retained most of the possession and controlled the game. United were restricted to their own half once again, trying to play the ball out from the back.
Marcus Rashford was presented with an excellent, but rare opportunity to make it 2-1 near the 70-minute mark but sent his effort wide to the dismay of the Old Trafford faithful. Only a minute later, Haaland was denied by Onana at the other end once again in a 1v1 situation.
The Norwegian then assisted Phil Foden for his second goal of the season, passing a parried save from Onana into the path of his onrushing teammate who tapped it in front point blank range.
With the win, City are now in third place, two points behind league leaders Tottenham who have 26 points. Manchester United, on the other hand, remain eighth with 15 points.
