Erling Haaland scores brace as Man City defeats Man United in Derby

Manchester City moved to within two points of the Premier League table after a 3-0 win over the United States at Old Trafford, continuing their recent dominance of the game with a fifth win in the last six meetings.

Fresh from an emotional league win in Copenhagen in midweek, Old Trafford paid another touching tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before kick-off, and it was the visitors who started the 191st edition of the Manchester derby on the right foot.

Scott McTominay saw Ederson's first effort saved as the midfielder looked to stretch his ample muscles in front of goal, while at the other end Andre Onana dove powerfully to deny Phil Foden before recovering in time to score loose ball. Erling Haaland.

After a hard-fought opening 20 minutes, the visitors gradually took control of the game and their improved play was rewarded just before the half-hour mark when Ramsus Hojlund was penalized for tripping Rodri in the box. Haaland arrived and the talismanic City striker confidently turned the ball into the bottom right corner for his tenth goal of the season. The frenetic nature of the contest continued until half-time, as McTominay saw Ederson's big challenge well broken, before Onana scored again for United, denying Haaland his second of the afternoon with a stoppage.

The Cityzens maintained their momentum until the start of the second half, and having failed to double the lead before the break, Haaland made no amends in the 49th minute, heading home after Bernardo Silva had done enough to extend City's lead.

The goal put a problem in the visitors, who were faced with the lack of two goals, it never bothered the side of Pep Guardiola as the game continued in the last half hour. For all City's dominance in an impressive second-half performance, United almost pulled a goal back 20 minutes from time when Marcus Rashford burst into the box.

Appreciating the tension, the visitors added a late third through Phil Foden as Haaland completed an unselfish performance, earning a deserved three points. The result moved City clear of second-placed Arsenal as they continued their quest for a fourth successive win.

As for United, they will be desperate to bounce back against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup in midweek after losing five of their first ten matches.