Manchester City trounced and humiliated Manchester United, running away
comfortable three-goal winners at Old Trafford.
The visitors took control as Erling Haaland scored twice each side of halftime,
the first from the penalty spot, before Phil Foden added a third. The visitors,
who were dominant throughout, could have won by a far larger margin.
United were without their entire first-choice defense and a specialist holding
midfielder in Casemiro, but this was just another lackluster display from Erik
ten Hag’s side, who have left many more questions than answers. Here are five
takeaways from another disappointing day for the Red Devils.
Erling Haaland’s track record in Manchester derbies has been hit or miss. His
debut against Manchester United resulted in a hat-trick in a 6-3 thrashing at
the Etihad Stadium early last season. However, in the following two games, the
Norwegian was fairly anonymous, failing to score in either the league loss at
Old Trafford or the FA Cup final.
Haaland was the game’s deciding factor, scoring from the penalty spot before
his header – having found room to run and head home uncontested – while also
having numerous other chances to score, including one incredible stop from
Andre Onana.
After scoring against Brighton last week and then scoring twice against Young
Boys in City’s midweek Champions League victory, he has truly re-found top
form after a brief goal slump. He has 13 goals and counting for City this
season.
With 17 minutes remaining and United behind by two goals, Alejandro
Garnacho came on in place of Rasmus Hojlund, the home team’s only
recognized central striker. Manager Erik ten Hag’s decision was met with boos
from the home crowd, who believed the Dane had to stay on the field.
A similar occurrence occurred last month, when United trailed Brighton at
home and substituted Hojlund for Anthony Martial. Meanwhile, Antony, the
£80 million signing, was left on the bench, shaking his head.
It is unsurprising that there is growing unhappiness at Old Trafford. This was
intended to be the season in which they established themselves as one of the
league’s finest, but they have regressed.
The penalty called against the Red Devils will have infuriated Red Devils fans.
Rasmus Hojlund drew Rodri back, who theatrically fell to the ground, and it
was an infringement. However, several offenses are committed without being
penalized each matchday, and giving Haaland a free hit from 12 yards is a
harsh punishment.
Indeed, United may feel justified in pointing out that Hojlund was similarly
blocked off by Arsenal defender Gabriel earlier this season in a Premier League
match. However, this was the sixth penalty conceded by Ten Hag’s team this
season, and the third in a row. They may be unlucky in that regard, but they
must grow smarter when defending in their territory.
Leave a Reply