Manchester United find out who their most important player is in thrashing by Man City

When the whistle signalled the fourth goal, the Manchester City players huddled in a celebratory circle of togetherness. The United players were detached and defeated.

"We want five," demanded the City supporters in the south stand. A banner read, 'Not in my lifetime' - a reference to Sir Alex Ferguson's quote about the prospect of City ever finishing above United. A second 5-1 in his lifetime was briefly possible. Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart played at full-time and City fans crowed about tearing United apart.

United have come full circle again. The chasm between them and City 22 points, just as it was at the end of the David Moyes season. Just like in that season, City triumphed 4-1 at the Etihad.

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This time, City were not as merciful against the United AD - after dominance. They have fallen so far it is a minor positive to have participated in a contest with City for a half. Until Riyad Mahrez ended the resistance in the 68th minute it appeared they were still in it.

In truth, the contest ceased with the restart. Normality had been restored by City, doubtless jolted by an animated Pep Guardiola team talk, and they toyed with United, despondent a proactive first-half still ended with them behind.

Bar amateurish defending for the first two goals, United imposed themselves purposefully in the first-half, pressing with intent in an innovative and flexible formation, depriving City of sustained control. Only trouble brewed as soon as City advanced into the final third and at pace against the one-paced pairing of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. City were relentless once they had regrouped.

This was another shellacking in a season laden with