Manchester City vs Manchester United: Pep Guardiola's side demolish Red Devils in derby to complete league double 

Pep Guardiola-managed Manchester City played like a dream to demolish local rivals Manchester United 4-1 in the derby day action of the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The victory not only helped the league leaders complete a double over the Ralf Rangnick-managed side but also consolidate their top spot as they went six past clear off Liverpool FC with one extra match played. Midfield genius Kevin de Bruyne (5′, 28′) and the prolific Riyad Mahrez (68′, 90′) netted a brace each for the home team while the visitors found the back of the net, only once, through their youth academy graduate Jadon Sancho (22′). 

The hosts made a bright start to the contest to make their intentions clear as De Bruyne netted his 50th goal of the match in the first five minutes of the contest. Manchester United attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes almost scored an equalizer minutes later but he was flagged offside by the assistant referee. 

However, City continued to produce chance after chance with De Bruyne in the thick of the action but United restored parity with Sancho curling a lovely effort in the far corner. But the match turned on its head from there on as City imposed their passing authority and piled misery on their traditional rivals. 

In fact, the second-half, looked like it was men vs boys as City saw most of the ball with United seemingly giving up in their approach. The control of the match, that their interim manager Rangnick had on his agenda on being appointed at the role, didn’t look to have worked in his side’s approach in the derby. 

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Manchester City were deserving winners: Kevin de Bruyne

The Belgian was ecstatic about the performance from his side and believes that the Sky Blues fully deserves to win the contest due to their brilliant control throughout the game. 

“I think United played very differently than other occasions,” he said after the match. “They tried to press us and they played well in the first half.

“In the second half we found more opportunities. We did really well. We showed today we’re a good team. I can’t explain how it happens and why we always win there [Old Trafford] and have difficulties at home.

“We played really well and we fully deserved the three points.”

The Guardiola-managed side will be next seen in action in the Champions League fixture Round of 16 against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday. They hold a 5-0 aggregate from the first leg over the Portuguese club.