Amid questions of their title credentials in 2025-26, on the back of two early defeats, City enjoyed a productive return to Premier League action after the international break. They proved far too strong for neighbours United.
Pep Guardiola shuffled his pack against the Red Devils, with new arrival Gianluigi Donnarumma handed an immediate debut in goal. The Champions League and European Championship winner kept a clean sheet, making some impressive stops along the way.
Phil Foden was also drafted into City’s starting XI, and it was the England international who broke the deadlock when nodding in the opening goal – on what was an emotional afternoon for City following the tragic news of former boxing world champion and big fan of the club Ricky Hatton passing away.
Haaland then bagged a second-half brace, producing two typically clinical finishes, with his goal tally for the season being taken to five through four appearances. The 25-year-old shared an image from his post-game celebrations, with City supporters being invited to “have a nice evening”.
The big games are coming thick and fast for City, with an important week ahead of them. The momentum established on derby day will carry them into a Champions League opener at home to Kevin De Bruyne and Napoli on Thursday, before then heading to the Emirates for a meeting with Arsenal on Sunday.
