By Amofokhai Williams
Manchester City asserted their superiority in a pulsating derby clash on Sunday, sweeping aside Manchester United 3-0 in a match that showcased their attacking brilliance and defensive resilience.
United threatened early when Benjamin Šeško forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a sharp save in the fourth minute.
But it was City who broke the deadlock midway through the first half. Jeremy Doku, electric throughout, delivered a perfect cross in the 18th minute, which Phil Foden bravely met with a bullet header past Altay Bayındır to give City the lead.
The Citizens continued to press, with Tijjani Reijnders and Erling Haaland both going close before half-time.
Haaland’s frustration grew after striking the post, but his persistence soon paid off. In the 53rd minute, Doku again turned provider, slipping Haaland through. The Norwegian forward showed his predatory instinct with a cheeky lob over Bayındır for 2-0.
United searched for a route back, with Bryan Mbeumo twice denied by Donnarumma and Bruno Fernandes flashing a dipping volley narrowly wide. Yet their efforts came to nothing as City’s clinical edge proved decisive.
Haaland sealed the win in the 68th minute, smashing home after Bernardo Silva released him one-on-one with Bayındır.
The striker could have had a hat-trick, but his earlier miss and City’s wastefulness spared United a heavier defeat.
Despite late half-chances from Mbeumo and Fernandes, United were outclassed by a City side that combined defensive steel with attacking flair.
With the win, City now have six points from four matches, having lost two matches earlier.
