Manchester – Erling Haaland struck twice as Manchester City swept aside rivals Manchester United with a 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, ending their poor run after back-to-back defeats.
Phil Foden set the tone with an 18th-minute opener, turning in Jeremy Doku’s cross on his first start of the season. After the break, Haaland took control of the derby, first finishing a flowing team move with a delicate chip before sealing the result in the 68th minute after darting past United’s defence.
The Norwegian striker could have had a hat-trick but struck the post with an open goal moments earlier. His double moved City up to eighth on the table with six points, while United slipped to 14th on four points.
City debutant Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a key save to deny Bryan Mbeumo, but Pep Guardiola’s side dominated throughout, leaving United’s new striker Benjamin Sesko well contained by Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias.
After the win, Haaland told reporters that City “needed this” and described the result as extra special for the fans.
