Man City rout Man United 3-0 at Etihad as Doku and Haaland shine in derby

Manchester City beat Manchester United 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as Phil Foden opened the scoring and Erling Haaland completed a brace, with Jeremy Doku supplying two assists in a display of sustained control.

City took the lead when Foden headed home before Haaland converted twice to seal the victory, extending the Norwegian's early-season scoring run. The result left United with few answers as Pep Guardiola's side controlled large swaths of the game and limited the visitors' attacking threat.

The match carried an emotional undercurrent after the death of former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, a Mancunian, with a pre-match tribute that visibly moved Guardiola. City regrouped after consecutive defeats before the international break and produced a performance that combined intensity, positional discipline and clinical finishing.

Daily Mail Sport's player ratings highlighted several standout performers for City. Jeremy Doku was rated 9/10 for an "electric" performance in a freer role behind Haaland, providing the two assists that unlocked United's defence. Haaland was given 8.5 for two well-taken finishes and work rate that unsettled the visitors, while Foden received an 8 for a bright, vibrant display and the opening goal.

In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma was rated 7.5, producing a sharp save late in the contest. Rodri and Bernardo Silva were each assessed at 7, the former praised for his influence and the latter for his ball retention despite an unconventional, higher-energy team plan. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders earned a 7 for positional intelligence, though observers noted he could have offered more early on in possession. Defensively, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol were rated 6.5 apiece; both were generally solid, with some calls for tighter organisation at the back.

Manchester United were judged to have underachieved. New signing Altay Bayindir, given the start over Lammens, was rated 5 after a shaky opening that nearly gifted Haaland an early goal. The back line struggled to cope with City's movement: Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt were both given 5s, while Luke Shaw was also rated 5 after being beaten for the first and losing his mark for the second. Noussair Mazraoui received 5.5 on his first start of the season.

Bruno Fernandes was assessed at 5, with the report noting reduced effectiveness when asked to play deeper. Manuel Ugarte, brought in to add competitiveness in midfield, earned 6.5 for a workmanlike showing. On the left, Bryan Mbuemo was rated 5.5; he struck a fine volley but otherwise lacked end product. Forward Benjamin Sesko, on his full debut, was rated 4 after missing the one clear chance he had and failing to make a decisive impact.

Ruben Amorim made several substitutions, bringing on Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo in the 62nd minute, and later Zirkzee and Casemiro around the 80th minute, but United were unable to overturn City’s control. Guardiola's side also made tactical changes late on, introducing Nico Gonzalez and Savinho in the 76th minute and Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake in the closing stages.

The result will be read as a response from City following recent setbacks, while United face renewed scrutiny over their ability to contend in high-profile fixtures. Guardiola was given a 7.5 for his management and for orchestrating a disciplined team performance; Amorim was rated 5, with critics saying his side never looked capable of repeating the surprise Etihad win they achieved earlier in the season.

The victory consolidates City's momentum as the Premier League season progresses and raises questions about United's form and personnel choices ahead of upcoming fixtures.