By Sabiu Abdullahi
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland stole the spotlight with a brace in the iconic Old Trafford, giving the Premier League defending champions, Manchester City, a lead during the Manchester derby.
Haaland showcased his prowess in the 26th minute when he coolly converted a penalty after a VAR review confirmed Rasmus Hojlund’s foul on Rodri during a free kick.
The Norwegian striker expertly placed the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving United’s goalkeeper,Onana with no chance.
The second half saw City’s dominance reach new heights. Haaland struck again shortly after halftime, rising to meet a perfectly timed cross from Bernardo Silva, who had made an overlapping run.
Haaland’s header found the back of the net, extending City’s lead to 2-0 and leaving the entire Red Devils’ defense in disarray.
City’s third goal came in the 80th minute when Phil Foden capitalized on a rebound when Andre Onana had pushed away a shot from Rodri.
The match’s outcome left frustrated United fans heading for the exits early, witnessing their team’s first defeat in four games across all competitions.
With this convincing win, Pep Guardiola’s City side sits third in the Premier League standings with 24 points, just two points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, United find themselves in eighth place with 15 points.
Before the game, tributes in respect to the United’s and England legend, late Sir Bobby Chalton, in the presence of allies, retinues and thousand of fans as respectively.
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