The 197^th Manchester derby showed the massive gap in quality as Manchester City dominated from start to finish, pushing aside the men in red by three goals.

City set the tone inside the opening 30 seconds when Jeremey Doku slipped Erling Haaland through, but the striker dragged his left footed shot just wide of the post. It was an early warning sign of what was to come. 

Benjamin Sesko’s early effort from outside the box was saved easily by Gianluigi Donnarumma on his debut. Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir almost doubled City’s lead after a poor touch nearly gave away possession but managed to scramble his hands on the ball.

United’s game plan was clear, to consume the pressure applied by City’s possession and to hit on the counter attack but the men in blue quickly overloaded the midfield and gained full control of the match.

A moment of magic came in the 18^th minute when Doku found himself on the right flank. Receiving the ball on his back foot, he turns and produces a dazzling run through four United defenders before clipping in a cross that deflected back to him. His second ball into the box found the head of Phil Foden who headed it home to give City the lead.

By half time, Pep Guardiola’s team were in full control whilst Ruben Amorim’s side couldn’t string a passing sequence together.

The second half began with United threatening attacks but City destroyed all hope in the 52^nd minute. A smooth passing move between Foden and Doku released the Norwegian goal scorer down the left side as he glided pass Luke Shaw before chipping Bayindir to double their lead.

United showed naivety on the ball and got punished by their formation being over ran. After the substitutions of Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo they were left exposed at the back.

 A poor ball from Shaw to Maguire left United dispossessed and out of position. Bernardo Silva quickly played Haaland through and calmy slotted the ball past Bayindir in the 80^th minute, netting his eight goal in Manchester derbies.

In the dying moments of the match, United had attacking chances but were unable to take their opportunities. The closest they got was a left footed volley by Mbeumo but was comfortably saved by the Italian goalkeeper.

It was a good day for Pep and his men after they brushed aside Manchester United. After an important three points for City, they now sit in eight. United’s poor form continues as they sit in 14^th place.