Early promise and Rashford screamer is swept away in Blue wave

CITY rubbed United's noses in it with three banners that greeted the players at kick-off: 'Treble winners', 'Champions of England' and 'Champions again ole ole'. City then eventually rubbed United's noses in it on the pitch.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

This was not the routine Manchester derby win many envisaged. The United supporters in the south stand witnessed a spirited performance marked by one of the great derby goals and a team still playing for its manager.

Yet they traipsed down the gangways to a rendition of 'Old Trafford is falling down! City are on the up. The United end was more than half-empty at full-time.

This derby fell almost exactly two years to the day since United were battered 4-1 at the Etihad. They ended that day one place and one point off fourth spot in the Premier League table. United are now 11 points off fourth.

Erik ten Hag will know this is not the month for positives in defeat. United have lost 11 league games - one shy of their worst tally in the Premier League era.

The lack of squad depth was apparent, particularly with the exorbitant and execrable Antony, who lost the ball twice in his first two minutes. Sofyan Amrabat turned attack into defence for the final City goal. A smiling Pep Guardiola shook Antony's hand seconds before he emerged. No wonder.

Summoning Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson, with two competitive starts between them, underlined the dilemma. It was the more experienced Antony and Amrabat - signings who played for Ten Hag in the Netherlands who were more out of their depth.

Ten Hag will rue the referee not penalising Kyle Walker for a possible foul on Marcus Rashford seconds before Foden equalised. United always needed more than one goal if they were to approach their away dayers in celebration at full-time and the intent of the first half was absent in the second.

United did not have a shot after the 23rd minute. City peppered Andre Onana's goal with 27 shots. Onana was enjoying his finest day in United colours until he cracked and feebly let in Phil Foden's winning goal.