MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS - MANCHESTER UNITED 0-3 MANCHESTER CITY

With a remarkable second half performance, Manchester City emphasised their superiority over local rivals Manchester United with a convincing victory at Old Trafford.

United had a good first 5 minutes of the match, but from that point on, City took control of the game. They came close early on, as Phil Foden's close range header was saved by Andre Onana, who was United's best player on the day.

The Blues deservedly took the lead after Rasmus Hojlund had a hold of Rodri in the penalty area, leading to a spot kick for City after referee Paul Tierney went to the VAR monitor to confirm it. Erling Haaland kept his cool to send Onana the wrong way and score his first goal at Old Trafford, and wipe the smirks off the faces of the United fans chanting "Keano" in his direction.

City kept control of the game, but made a few sloppy passes throughout the rest of the first period, meaning United, who were performing well under par, were still in with a chance of getting something from the game.

Star midfielder Scott McTominay came close to levelling the score for United, as his ferocious volley from the edge of the box was tipped over by Ederson just before the break. Haaland also came close, as his back post header was brilliantly saved by Onana, after a delicate cross from the magnificent Bernardo Silva.

After a bizarre half time substitution from Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, which saw the busy Sofyan Amrabat replaced by the ineffective Mason Mount, City took their level up another gear or two, and began knocking the ball around with the confidence and swagger that won them the treble last season.

After a fine move, involving Julian Alvarez, Jack Grealish and Bernardo, City doubled their lead, as Haaland made up for his first half miss by heading in at the back post beyond Onana and into the back of the net, to score his 11th Premier League goal of the season.

The second half became a training ground exercise for City, as Pep Guardiola's side knocked the ball around the demotivated United players with great ease. They created a few chances, with Grealish coming close when cutting inside from the left and shooting from the edge of the box, in what was yet another impressive performance from City's number 10.

Haaland also came close to a hattrick, as Grealish played a reverse through ball to him in space, only for his dinked effort to be well saved by Onana.

City put a rubber stamp on the game late on thanks to a combination from two boyhood fans of the club. Haaland pounced onto Rodri's parried effort, and showed remarkable composure to square the ball to Phil Foden in the middle, who made no mistake in tapping the ball into the empty net for his first ever goal at Old Trafford.

It was a remarkable victory for City, who played their best football of the season to date in the second half. They were clearly and obviously the better side on the day, and showed that they not only have better individuals, but play better as a team too.

And that is largely down to the ability of the respective managers. Ten Hag made numerous mistakes with his substitutions, and maintains the bizarre stance that United played well in this game. Whereas it'd seem that from the City point of view, Guardiola got every decision correct.

Starting Grealish ahead of Jeremy Doku was a bold choice, given the latter's recent excellent form. However, Grealish repaid his manager with one of his very best performances in a City shirt.

Josko Gvardiol over Nathan Ake was another big call, considering the Dutchman's continued consistency over the last year for City. The young Croatian grew into the game after a shaky start, and made a few crucial defensive actions to keep City's clean sheet intact.

And the substitutions made by Guardiola were the correct choices. Mateo Kovacic helped provide control and composure in place of the more aggressive Alvarez, and Doku's speed and directness helped City keep the ball high up the pitch, and it rattled the United players too, namely Bruno Fernandes and Antony.

John Stones, who pushed up into midfield from the left hand side, instead of the right, had another magnificent game for City, and showed just what a miss he's been during his spell on the sidelines.

With everyone bar Kevin de Bruyne now fit again, Manchester City are in an excellent place. After their next two home matches against Bournemouth and Young Boys, they face a tough run of fixtures including games against Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea.

But, after a few stuttering games, City are now back in a position where they'll go into those games with confidence that they can come out on top, despite the strength of their opponents.

Here are the player ratings for the victory over United on Derby Day:

Ederson - 8/10 - Made a magnificent save late in the first half to keep City ahead in the game. His distribution was excellent as always, and he looked unflappable when being pressed by United's forwards.

Walker - 7/10 - Very strong and solid when Marcus Rashford and later Alejandro Garnacho were running at him. He switched off once in the second half to allow Rashford in, who should have scored, but he overall had a game to be proud of, as he continues his run of magnificent form.

Dias - 7/10 - Led the backline magnificently, and won header after header in the backline. Generally secure with his passing and overall game, other than a few shaky moments, but it was a welcome return for the 26 year old to the heart of the City backline.

Stones - 8.5/10 - Excellent pushing forward into midfield as usual, and looked completely press resistant in the centre of midfield. It's harsh to call Stones a "defensive midfielder" as I think he is much more than that; he has the awareness to attack space, the creative ability and technical prowess of a world class box to box midfielder. What a player.

Gvardiol - 7/10 - As mentioned above, he had a slightly sloppy start, giving the ball away a few times in dangerous situations. However, his performance improved hugely throughout the game, as he carried the ball forward into space, made a few good recovery tackles and dealt with United's attacking threats with considerable ease, as the Red Devils struggled to offer anything down that flank.

Rodri - 8/10 - Excellent at the base of midfield, as he nipped in to stop a few United transitions at different points throughout the game. Like Gvardiol and Dias, he had a few dodgy moments, but had an outstanding overall game.

Alvarez - 7.5/10 - A good overall game for the Argentinian. He didn't get any goal involvements, but he had a positive impact driving forwards, and ran his socks off as usual. Also, he has proven himself to be a more than acceptable set piece taker in De Bruyne's absence, which is yet another positive sign for City in the coming weeks.

Bernardo - 9.5/10 - What a performance. Bernardo Silva looked set to leave in the summer, and may well be off this year, and he'll be irreplaceable if he does leave. He linked up well with Grealish down the left hand side, including for Haaland's second goal and identical missed opportunity. He toyed with United's midfield at times, as he glided around the pitch on and off the ball like a man playing amongst boys. No superlatives can describe how good the Portuguese midfielder is when he's at his best, which he certainly was against United.

Foden - 9/10 - The boyhood Manchester City showed his passion and commitment to the badge in another brilliant performance. Other than a 15 minute period in the first half, after he played a hospital pass that gave Hojlund a 1 vs 1 opportunity, he was sharp and dangerous all afternoon. Rounded off the afternoon with a wonderful goal, as he attacked the space in the penalty area, which will only see his goal tally increase if he continues to do so.

Haaland - 9/10 - How on earth do people continue to doubt Haaland? How? You know he'll come back and prove you wrong. He's inevitable. He was magnificent against United, just like against Brighton and Young Boys. And, with 5 goals in 3 games, his shooting boots are well and truly back on. The Norwegian will be licking his lips ahead of upcoming fixtures against Bournemouth and Young Boys, as he hopes to add to his already impressive goal tally.

Grealish - 8.5/10 - I'm so happy to see Grealish back at the top of his game, despite the vile criticism he receives routinely for everything he does. He was fantastic against United, as he was heavily involved in the 2nd and 3rd goals, and was brilliant in his decision making with and without the ball.

Substitutes:

Doku - 6.5/10 - Did well off the bench to rile up United's frustrated figures, and to show a different side to his game in helping City keep the ball. Also, he did well to not lose his temper after Antony's petulant swipe on him deep into injury time.

Kovacic - 6.5/10 - Had a few nice touches, and showed excellent composure to keep the ball under tight pressure a few times.