Is the pressure starting to build on Ruben Amorim?
Manchester City 3 - 0 Manchester United
Manchester City eased past struggling rivals Manchester United as pressure starts to build on the Manchester United manager.
Phil Foden opened the scoring before Erling Haaland struck twice to seal victory. Pep Guardiola’s side had entered the derby on the back of two successive defeats before the international break, but they responded convincingly through two players who have made a habit of punishing United.
The occasion carried added poignancy as both clubs paid tribute to former boxing world champion and lifelong supporter Ricky Hatton, whose death at the age of 46 was announced earlier in the day.
Speedy winger Jeremy Doku played a key role in the first two goals, weaving through defenders with quick feet before pulling the ball back for local boy Phil Foden to head home the opener in the 18th minute.
City extended their lead on 53 minutes when star striker Erling Haaland met a pass from Doku, held off Luke Shaw, and produced a delicate finish.
Haaland, who had gone close in the opening 10 seconds, should have added a second immediately after his first goal when he rounded Altay Bayindir, only to see the ball strike the post with an open goal in front of him.
The 25-year-old was not to be denied, however, and on 68 minutes he broke clear from the halfway line to finish with precision past the Turkish goalkeeper.
United fans discuss tactics and the midfield issues
David: When Kobbie Mainoo came on and Bruno Fernandes moved into the number 10 role, he looked far more comfortable and threatening. His passing accuracy was poor throughout, though, and from a defensive perspective, he remains a liability. He is not strong in the tackle and struggles to sense danger. The solution is straightforward: play him higher up the pitch.
Andy: Fernandes is United’s most reliable performer and cannot be left out. The real issue is that Amorim has yet to bring the best out of the rest of the squad.
Liam C: If you have a player who is genuinely world-class in his preferred role, why on earth would you play him elsewhere unless you fail to grasp the basics of football?
Robbie: It feels like the same story every week. Amorim repeats that “we have to do better” and we all know it, yet nothing improves. The frustration is unbearable. He should go and the team return to a more traditional set-up.
Still work to be done for City despite some moments of quality
Tommy: There is still work to be done. City gave the ball away too often and could have been punished by more accomplished opponents. On the positive side, Haaland and Foden were outstanding, Khusanov also displayed some quality.
Kev: Donnarumma made some incredible saves that played a massive part in us getting the win. I thought we conceded too many chances against what was a really poor United side. On the positive side, Foden scored a beautiful goal on his return, Haaland delivered a near-perfect performance both in defence and attack, and Doku provided exquisite assists.
Bethany L: Great win today, but we’ve still got issues to fix. We were off the pace, even against Arsenal, let alone Liverpool. Our new keeper is brilliant, and the attack looked sharp, but the midfield struggled at times.
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