Erling Haaland frustration in derby demolition of Manchester United sums up stunning Man City transformation

Erling Haaland beat his fist to the ground in frustration as he was unable to keep the ball in play. The Manchester City No.9 got up and gestured towards Jack Grealish with anguish on his face after playing the ball to his teammate had not ended in a goal.

You could be forgiven for thinking the home side were struggling if taking that snapshot in isolation. When placed in the bigger picture, it was a reaction that summed up the chasm between the two Manchester clubs that shows no signs of closing despite grand overtures from Manchester United about a fresh start and £225.4m spent to back their new manager out.

Haaland's frustration came with City 3-0 up before half-time but hungry for a fourth, Pep Guardiola's champions bringing all the energy and verve (and quality) to this game as they repeatedly pummelled a lifeless United. The away end was visibly emptying by the time, a few minutes later, Haaland was supplying Phil Foden for the fourth goal to pile on the embarrassment for Erik ten Hag and his players.

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United have beaten Arsenal and Liverpool since their Brentford humiliation and there are enough signs to suggest they could be on a credible path but this was the most brutal reminder yet for the new manager that he is not in Kansas (or the Eredivisie) anymore. City outplayed and outworked their opponents from the first minute and - to the delight of a packed Etihad - did not let up in a ferocious first half.

Jack Grealish set the tone within seconds of kick-off, knocking the ball past Diogo Dalot on the left flank before being clumsily taken out to earn the United right-back a yellow card. Moments later, two Scott McTominay blocks in the six-yard box and a