Soccer

Man City boss Guardiola hails 'irreplaceable' Silva after derby win

Pep Guardiola hails ‘irreplaceable’ Bernardo Silva after Manchester City outclass Man United in derby… with Blues boss claiming they now have the upper hand at Old Trafford

  • Man United 0-3 Man City: Champions dominate Manchester derby
  • Erling Haaland scored twice and Phil Foden wrapped up the victory on Sunday 
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Pep Guardiola hailed ‘irreplaceable’ Bernardo Silva after Manchester City outclassed rivals Man United in Sunday’s one-sided derby.

The eyes of the footballing world were on Old Trafford as the neighbours met in the 191st Manchester derby and first since Pep Guardiola’s men matched their 1999 treble triumph.

Erling Haaland scored a spot-kick and unmarked header before playing in Phil Foden to wrap up 3-0 victory, yet City’s dominance was far greater than the scoreline suggests.

It was an abrupt end to an unconvincing three-match winning run in all competitions for Erik ten Hag’s United, who have now lost five of their 10 opening Premier League games.

And Guardiola said: ‘I always have a good feeling here, the players always give their best. For so long seeing Sir Alex Ferguson at the top, we have changed the tendency, especially away [at Old Trafford].

Bernardo Silva helped Manchester City outclass rivals Man United in Sunday’s derby

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‘I could be talking for ten minutes how Bernardo does to our team. He is beyond good in all departments. We are in love with him.

‘He’s humble and everybody loves him in the locker room. We were scared to lose him. He’s irreplaceable. Every time he comes here at Old Trafford, he plays really well.

‘Today I had a feeling, because Onana was exceptional. He could have scored three goals all the time, I remember he missed a few at West Ham away. He moves incredibly well in the box, he’s another player that everyone loves. He’s a top, top class player.

‘The strategy was not good. The players know that the Premier League was so tough.

‘My wife is 50 today. The players have her a tremendous present, I’m sure she will be so happy.’

Man City boss Pep Guardiola celebrates after his side’s dominant victory at Old Trafford

Haaland put City ahead midway through the first half from a penalty awarded after the VAR spotted a supposed Rasmus Hojlund tug on Rodri.

Ragtag defending allowed Haaland to head home another in a one-sided win that Foden added late gloss to.

It would have been worse was it not for Andre Onana’s saves on a day when United fans booed Ten Hag’s decision to replace Hojlund.

It was an ugly end to an emotional week for United, who again remembered the late, great Sir Bobby Charlton on Sunday.

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