PHIL'S DOUBLE DECKER

Foden demolishes derby rivals with his lovely pair

- JEREMY CROSS

PHIL FODEN'S double kept Manchester City on course for the Treble following a thrilling derby win at the Etihad.

For 80 minutes of this absorbing clash between these warring neighbours, the biggest winners looked like being Liverpool.

But despite taking the lead through Marcus Rashford's sensational early strike and then hanging on to it, in the end Manchester United succumbed to the fantasy football of Foden.

United boss Erik ten Hag said before kick off it was "eat or be eaten" He then watched Foden chew United up and spit them out, to help City close the gap on league leaders Liverpool to just one point. Erling Haaland added a third at the death for good measure, but this game was all about Foden's masterclass as he netted his 17th and 18th goals of a stunning season.

Ten Hag had recalled teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo, while Jonny Evans returned for the injured Harry Maguire to start his first derby here since 2012.