Haaland at the Double as Manchester City Crush Rivals United in Derby Showdown

Etihad Stadium, Manchester — Erling Haaland once again stole the headlines as his clinical brace fired Manchester City to a dominant 3-0 victory over rivals Manchester United in Sunday’s derby. Phil Foden’s early strike set the tone before Haaland added two more after the break, lifting Pep Guardiola’s side back on track following back-to-back defeats.

The result was a timely response for City, who began the day nine points behind league leaders Liverpool. From the first whistle, Guardiola’s men looked determined to reassert their dominance, and the Etihad crowd was rewarded with a commanding performance.

How the Derby Was Won

City struck first in the 18th minute when Jeremy Doku’s persistence down the right produced a looping cross, met smartly by Foden, who marked his first start of the season with his seventh Manchester derby goal.

United offered little in reply, their only first-half effort coming through Benjamin Sesko, comfortably dealt with by debutant goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

After the break, City’s relentless pressure paid off. Haaland finished off a sweeping move with a deft chip over Altay Bayindir on 53 minutes, before missing a sitter when he hit the post from close range. The Norwegian quickly made amends, latching onto Bernardo Silva’s through ball after Harry Maguire’s misplaced pass and coolly slotting home to seal the contest in the 68th minute.

Donnarumma produced one sharp save to deny Bryan Mbeumo, while Tijjani Reijnders and Casemiro wasted late chances at either end. But the outcome was never in doubt: City controlled the tempo, territory, and the scoreline.

Foden and Haaland Deliver Once Again

Guardiola’s bold team selection — handing Donnarumma his debut and restoring Foden to the XI — paid off handsomely. Foden’s opener showcased his knack for rising to the big occasion, while Haaland’s brace took his tally in Manchester derbies level with Sergio Agüero and Wayne Rooney on eight goals.

Though Haaland missed out on a hat-trick, his dominance epitomised City’s superiority. The win also eases the pressure on Guardiola after what had been his worst league start as a manager.

United Left Searching for Answers

For United boss Ruben Amorim, the result was another painful reminder of the gulf between the two Manchester clubs. Isolated up front, Sesko cut a lonely figure, while the midfield duo of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte struggled to cope with City’s fluid runners.

Altay Bayindir endured a difficult afternoon, picking the ball out of his net three times and looking uncomfortable in possession, raising the prospect of new signing Senne Lammens being handed his chance soon.

The defeat leaves United in 14th place with just four points, already under pressure ahead of next weekend’s clash against unbeaten Chelsea at Old Trafford.

A Poignant Victory for City

Before kick-off, City paid tribute to lifelong fan and boxing great Ricky Hatton, who passed away at the age of 46, with a minute’s applause ringing around the Etihad.

On the pitch, the champions gave their supporters a fitting performance — ruthless, stylish, and full of intent. With the Champions League opener against Napoli and a crucial Premier League trip to Arsenal on the horizon, Guardiola will hope this derby triumph sparks momentum for the weeks ahead.