In the derby at Old Trafford, Manchester City cruised past Manchester United with embarrassing ease to highlight the gulf between the two sides.

The main tormentor was Erling Haaland, with goals in both halves before setting up Phil Foden for the third goal as Pep Guardiola’s side maintained their dominance from the start.

Before the match began, supporters from both sides of Manchester’s football divide gathered to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.

The match that followed was a forgettable one for manager Erik ten Hag and his players.

During the 26th minute, Rasmus Hojlund was penalized for dragging down Rodri after the video assistant referee intervened and handed Haaland a penalty.

At half-time, United keeper Andre Onana made a brilliant save to deny Haaland a second goal from a far-post header, but Bernardo Silva delivered a perfect cross four minutes after the break to double City’s lead from an almost identical situation.

After Ederson saved from Scott McTominay before half-time, City sealed the win with a goal from Haaland to give Foden the easiest of chances.

Even while spending so much time at the top of the Premier League, Manchester City have looked less than stellar on occasion this season, but they outclassed their arch rivals here.

United keeper Onana did well to deny Haaland twice, while the manner in which they exposed the home side’s flaws was shocking.

Stones’ return from injury only adds to the quality of the team, as was demonstrated by their performance, which outlined the task anyone wanting to take their title away will face.