Manchester City stamped their authority on the Premier League with a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United in a fiery derby clash. At the heart of the triumph was Erling Haaland, who struck twice in the second half to secure a crucial win that lifted spirits across the blue half of Manchester.
Erling Haaland delivers again on derby day
Haaland has built a reputation as a relentless force in Manchester derbies, and Sunday’s clash was no exception. The Norwegian striker netted a brace to dismantle United’s resistance, reminding fans why he is considered one of the deadliest forwards in the world. His tally against United now stands at eight goals, including the unforgettable hat-trick he delivered at the Etihad in 2022.
The striker admitted that this win meant more than just three points.
“You could feel it as well from the fans, we needed this. You always want to win the derby but you could feel it extra today. I’m so relieved, so happy we managed to do it altogether. We have to keep going. Today we’re super happy,” Erling Haaland said after the match.
A much-needed boost for Pep Guardiola’s side
The emphatic result came at a vital time for Pep Guardiola’s men, who were under pressure following back-to-back defeats before the international break. Haaland himself had been openly critical of the squad’s performances earlier this season, calling them “not good enough.” His double at Old Trafford helped silence doubts and reaffirmed City’s determination to defend their Premier League crown.
Phil Foden added the finishing touch, scoring his first goal of the campaign on his return to the starting XI. The goal capped off a memorable derby performance for the England international, whom Guardiola had recently challenged to rediscover his best form.
Fans and players United in celebration
The atmosphere at Old Trafford reflected the significance of the win. Manchester City fans roared with every goal, while the players embraced the result as more than just a derby victory. Erling Haaland’s words echoed the sentiment of unity, underlining how important this statement win was to get the campaign back on track.
For Manchester United, the heavy defeat raised fresh questions about consistency and competitiveness, while City walked away with renewed momentum heading into the next stretch of the season.