Man City 3-1 Man United: Five things noticed, including Erik ten Hag embarrassment

Manchester United fell to their 11th league defeat this season as Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Erling Haaland score once again against Erik ten Hag.

With Manchester United seeing several players injured, Erik ten Hag chose to play Victor Lindelöf at left-back as they visited the Etihad Stadium to play Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

After City dominated the opening minutes, it was Marcus Rashford who stunned the blue half of Manchester with a fantastic strike from distance, beating Ederson’s hand to the top corner.

Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United (Premier League)

Bar a sparing few chances for United, City dominated the opening 45 minutes, and in the second half, they made it count.

It was within 15 minutes of the second half that Phil Foden scored a fantastic goal to equal the score before adding a second on the evening not too long later.

Despite a fight-back from United, a very poor error from Sofyan Amrabat allowed Haaland his chance to add a third, which he did so without much of a problem.

#1 – Rashford’s statement

Rashford’s brilliant opening goal came just days after an explosive interview with The Player’s Tribune, where he addressed many of the comments being made in recent months surrounding his attitude.

“It’s world-class from Marcus Rashford. He’s done it before, and there’s no problem with his body language today,” commented Roy Keane during half-time.

This certainly rings true, with his goal and performance making a statement that he is still “in love” with United, contrary to the opinion of many.

#2 – Onana showing his very best

Much credit for Rashford’s goal has to go to André Onana, who quickly spotted the run in behind by Bruno Fernandes and passed the ball almost expertly to create the chance.

After Onana’s first few months at Old Trafford were marred with inconsistent performances, his game against City showed the goalkeeper at his best.

He made five big saves across the 90 minutes of the tie, and although City did manage to put three past him, it is hard to blame any of these on Onana. It’s a shining point during a rather drab day.

#3 – Varane cannot leave

Raphaël Varane was arguably United’s best player against Man City – in a tie that saw the blue side dominate, Varane was a fantastic defensive rock.

There has been a lot surrounding his future, with the club unwilling to extend his contract on his current wages and wanting to clear him out completely or retain the central defender on a reduced salary.

With Evans likely to leave this summer and the futures of both Maguire and Lindelöf uncertain, Varane is one player who should certainly stay.

#4 – Ten Hag’s embarrassment

Pep Guardiola rather embarrassed Ten Hag on Sunday afternoon, with the 3-1 in for City establishing firmly who the superior manager is.

The Spaniard spent the days before waxing lyrical about Ten Hag and his tactical nouse, explaining how much he respects the Dutchman and expects no less than “the best”.

However, in a performance that was almost completely dominant from City beyond Rashford’s brilliant opener, Pep firmly embarrassed Ten Hag on the day in front of United’s new owners.

It must be acknowledged that United had eight players out during the fixture, which is a big hindrance – but with De Bryune and Haaland not at their best, it was still men against boys.

#5 – Champions League is too far gone

United want to qualify for the Champions League next season, but they are now 11 points off the top four spots.

With just 11 fixtures left of the league season, the spaces are now too far gone. The FA Cup is now the last hope of any sort of joy this season.