Manchester Derby: Haaland-Festival with City vs. United

The Premier League is back from the international break – and event-breaks.com returns with the Manchester derby, City vs United 3:0 (1:0), featuring our Match of the Week. One man looked familiar from the international break: Erling Braut Haaland… 

The first applause at the Etihad Stadium went to a boxing legend who supported Manchester City: Ricky Hatton. The multiple world champion (including WBU 2001, 15 title defenses, WBA 2005) passed away on September 14, 2025, at just 46 years old. 

The win probability for Manchester City was 66 percent, yet Pep Guardiola looked unsatisfied at first when glancing at the tactics tablet on the City bench. His team appeared unfocused, especially in attack during the early stages. 

Tijjani Reijnders missed the first half-chance for Man. City (9’). 

Manchester City vs United: The "Stockport Iniesta" scores

After 18 minutes, Phil Foden broke the deadlock – 1:0 for Manchester City with a header after a cross from the right side by Jeremy Doku. 

"I said before the match that this could be the perfect day for Phil Foden to reintroduce himself," said United legend and TV pundit Gary Neville on Sky Sports UK, "he was questioned both in the national team and at his club, but now he delivered."

Phil Foden, the "Stockport Iniesta" as fans in Manchester call him, was last nominated for the England squad by the German national coach in March 2025. 

His celebration with the front-row fans – a trademark of Manchester City football trips. 

Gianluigi Donnarumma, Manchester City's new star goalkeeper, saved after 34 minutes against the charging ex-Leipzig player Benjamin Sesko. 
The Italian European champion, signed from Paris Saint-Germain, is reportedly the most expensive goalkeeper in the world with a net contract volume of €77 million. 

How often has Erling Braut Haaland scored in the Manchester derby?

Despite the 1:0 lead at halftime: The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium seemed subdued. 

That changed in the 52nd minute when Erling Braut Haaland – brimming with confidence after scoring five goals in Norway’s 11:1 win over Moldova in World Cup qualification – made it 2:0. The former BVB striker capitalized on a pass from Doku and chipped the ball over Altay Bayindir. 

Erling Braut Haaland – players like him turn a Premier League game into a true spectacle. It was his seventh goal in a Manchester derby. 

With that, the exceptional Norwegian striker drew level with City idol Sergio Agüero and the legendary Wayne Rooney of Manchester United (both also with eight goals) in Manchester derby top scorer rankings. 

"Luke Shaw couldn’t cope with Erling Haaland’s strength," said Dion Dublin, former Manchester United striker, on BBC Radio 5 Live.

True. In this scene too, Manchester United’s defense – already struggling in the build-up play – wasn’t up to the pace. 

Symbolic of United’s lack of attacking threat: Casemiro (85’) missed from under two meters after a cross from Bruno Fernandes. Right after that scene, United fans began leaving the away section… 

Once again, Erling Haaland sealed the deal in the 69th minute. He chased down a ball in his own half and finished with a powerful solo run to make it 3:0, celebrating with his iconic thinking-man pose.
Pep Guardiola had clearly answered the question earlier in the week about where he ranks Haaland compared to Alexander Isak, the record signing at champions FC Liverpool: “I think he’s still a bit above him.”

When is the return leg for City at Manchester United in Old Trafford?

Derby time in Manchester won’t return until the new calendar year, as Manchester United hosts City on January 17, 2026. 

When does Manchester City play against FC Liverpool?

Manchester City and FC Liverpool – the only clubs to have won the Premier League title since 2017 – will face off on November 8, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium for a prestige clash.