Man City leave United reeling with ruthless Etihad display
Manchester City delivered a commanding performance to secure a 3-0 win over Manchester United in the first Manchester derby of the Premier League 2025/26 season on Sunday.
The victory sees City climb to eighth place in the table, while United's struggles deepen, leaving their campaign off to a worrying start.
The Sky Blues started the match on the front foot, creating early chances and asserting themselves in attack. Their dominance was rewarded in the 20th minute when Phil Foden rose highest to head home a precise cross from Jeremy Doku, giving the hosts a deserved lead.
United attempted to respond, with Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu showing glimpses of danger, but City's defensive organisation, coupled with some offside calls, kept them at bay.
As the first half progressed, possession became more evenly balanced, though City retained the sharper attacking edge.
Bruno Fernandes tried to orchestrate an equaliser for the Red Devils, delivering a corner and attempting shots from the edge of the box, but each effort was brilliantly thwarted by Donnarumma, who maintained his composure between the sticks.
The second half saw City continue their relentless pressure. Haaland doubled the lead with a clinical close-range finish following another excellent assist from Doku.
Despite United's valiant attempts to break through, including several promising moves from Mbeumo and Dorgu, they were repeatedly denied by Donnarumma's goalkeeping heroics.
The Norwegian star sealed the win with a spectacular effort, sprinting the length of the pitch after a Bernardo Silva pass to make it 3-0.
United appeared increasingly demoralised as the match wore on, while City managed the game intelligently, controlling possession and running down the clock.
By the final whistle, the Etihad had witnessed a thoroughly professional display from Pep Guardiola's side, who not only claimed their first derby victory of the season but also sent a warning to the rest of the league with their clinical attacking play and defensive discipline.
The result leaves Manchester United with much to ponder as they face a growing sense of urgency to recover in the early stages of the campaign. Meanwhile, City will look to build on Sunday's dominant performance as they aim to climb further up the Premier League table.