The second half at Etihad Stadium on Sunday was an exercise in damage limitation for Manchester United as they were routed by cross-town rivals City in their Premier League derby.
Norwegian Erling Haaland and England international Phil Foden both banked hat-tricks for City in a game that – having all but ended at half-time – finished with a stunning 6-3 scoreline.
Phil Foden’s was the fourth goal to beat United keeper David De Gea at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.Credit:Getty Images
City put United to the sword in a ruthless display of attacking football in the first half as the visitors, who had won their last four league games, were blown away by the champions.
Foden got the scoring under way inside eight minutes, sweeping home Bernardo Silva’s low cross, before Haaland headed his first in the 34th minute to put City in command.
Haaland has made a mockery of settling into life in the Premier League and the Norwegian struck again in the 34th minute on the stretch before Foden added the fourth three minutes later.
Big-money signing Antony curled a stunning strike into the net early in the second half to give United faint hope of a remarkable comeback, before Haaland fired home his 17th goal of an incredible season to notch up his third hat-trick in eight Premier League games.
Foden completed his first Premier League treble to finish off the perfect afternoon for irresistible City, before United substitute Anthony Martial added a late consolation double to make the scoreline more respectable.
Pep Guardiola’s side moved to within a point of Arsenal at the top of the standings and a bruised United stayed sixth
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