Pep Guardiola rejects Manchester United claim after Man City derby win

Pep Guardiola hailed his Manchester City team for ridding themselves of doubt in time to outclass Manchester United.

Erling Haaland scored twice and Phil Foden also got in on the act as the Blues cruised to a 3-0 win at Old Trafford that gave them some revenge for a controversial defeat here last season. The win moves them nine points clear of their rivals, and up to within two of Tottenham at the top of the table.

The match emphasised the gulf between the teams and the clubs, with City having a clear vision and United struggling to muster up a coherent plan. However, while Guardiola praised the strong backing he has at the Etihad he rejected the idea that it had been easy for his team on Sunday.

ALSO READ: Man City player ratings vs United as Bernardo Silva class

ALSO READ: City can forget about United after huge mismatch in derby

"I understand the question that it looks easy but it is not. There is a lot of respect for United and what they do but we were at our best - especially in the second half," he said.

"The opponent plays. When you are losing it is because they are really good. When we win, it is because we have done good things too. Football is always so difficult. Maintaining consistency for many years is difficult.

"The biggest title we have is this one. Still now after the Treble and five Premier Leagues, we are still there. I see the preparation mentally, the way the players play, the solidarity.

"When that happens, that's the biggest title we have that still we are there. It's so nice to watch the team after what we have done to still be there."