• MAN CITY RATINGS: No chance for Rashford's opener. Did well when called into action. Came out of his box to head the ball to safety as Fernandes bore down on goal. Great tackle on Garnacho as he raced into box late on. Usual slick distribution. Getty Images
    Ederson 7/10
    MAN CITY RATINGS: No chance for Rashford's opener. Did well when called into action. Came out of his box to head the ball to safety as Fernandes bore down on goal. Great tackle on Garnacho as he raced into box late on. Usual slick distribution. Getty Images
    MAN CITY RATINGS: No chance for Rashford's opener. Did well when called into action. Came out of his box to head the ball to safety as Fernandes bore down on goal. Great tackle on Garnacho as he raced
  • Did well to nick ball off McTominay and snuff out United break early doors. Powerful shot from edge of the box deflected for a corner just before interval. Nicked ball off Rashford when he was on the charge. Shot saved by Onana on 70 minutes. Getty Images
    Kyle Walker 7/10
    Did well to nick ball off McTominay and snuff out United break early doors. Powerful shot from edge of the box deflected for a corner just before interval. Nicked ball off Rashford when he was on the charge. Shot saved by Onana on 70 minutes. Getty Images
    Did well to nick ball off McTominay and snuff out United break early doors. Powerful shot from edge of the box deflected for a corner just before interval. Nicked ball off Rashford when he was on the
  • A generally quiet shift for the peerless Portuguese as United offered little going forward for most of the match. Solid as a rock when required. Getty Images
    Ruben Dias 7/10
    A generally quiet shift for the peerless Portuguese as United offered little going forward for most of the match. Solid as a rock when required. Getty Images
    A generally quiet shift for the peerless Portuguese as United offered little going forward for most of the match. Solid as a rock when required. Getty Images
  • Great block to prevent Garnacho cross reaching Rashford in dangerous position in box. Played Fernandes onside in lead-up to Rashford's goal. Read play well to cut out Fernandes pass that would have put Rashford one-on-one with Ederson. Cut out Dalot break. Getty Images
    Nathan Ake 6/10
    Great block to prevent Garnacho cross reaching Rashford in dangerous position in box. Played Fernandes onside in lead-up to Rashford's goal. Read play well to cut out Fernandes pass that would have put Rashford one-on-one with Ederson. Cut out Dalot break. Getty Images
    Great block to prevent Garnacho cross reaching Rashford in dangerous position in box. Played Fernandes onside in lead-up to Rashford's goal. Read play well to cut out Fernandes pass that would have pu
  • Cool, calm and collected as always. Marshalled the City midfield, linking play and probing the spaces. Good shot from edge of box forced Onana save. Getty Images
    Rodri 7/10
    Cool, calm and collected as always. Marshalled the City midfield, linking play and probing the spaces. Good shot from edge of box forced Onana save. Getty Images
    Cool, calm and collected as always. Marshalled the City midfield, linking play and probing the spaces. Good shot from edge of box forced Onana save. Getty Images
  • Relishing his advanced role. Silky and assured on the ball. Looked to play teammates in. Run into box led to early penalty shout. AFP
    John Stones 7/10
    Relishing his advanced role. Silky and assured on the ball. Looked to play teammates in. Run into box led to early penalty shout. AFP
    Relishing his advanced role. Silky and assured on the ball. Looked to play teammates in. Run into box led to early penalty shout. AFP
  • Always busy and clever in possession. Never wastes the ball. Switched to left when Alvarez was introduced. AFP
    Bernardo Silva 7/10
    Always busy and clever in possession. Never wastes the ball. Switched to left when Alvarez was introduced. AFP
    Always busy and clever in possession. Never wastes the ball. Switched to left when Alvarez was introduced. AFP
  • Coming back from injury and hasn't quite shaken the rust off yet. Showed flashes of his genius. Sliced an early chance. Almost made amends with a beautiful threaded ball to free Foden, who saw his shot saved by Onana. Skied another half-chance into the upper tier just before the break. EPA
    Kevin De Bruyne 6/10
    Coming back from injury and hasn't quite shaken the rust off yet. Showed flashes of his genius. Sliced an early chance. Almost made amends with a beautiful threaded ball to free Foden, who saw his shot saved by Onana. Skied another half-chance into the upper tier just before the break. EPA
    Coming back from injury and hasn't quite shaken the rust off yet. Showed flashes of his genius. Sliced an early chance. Almost made amends with a beautiful threaded ball to free Foden, who saw his sho
  • A masterclass from the young Englishman in front of Gareth Southgate. City's best player by a distance. Always bright and buzzy, popping up all over the place to play teammates in. Created the space for his own brilliantly struck equaliser, then put City in front superbly with a move that he initiated. Even raced back to make a crucial tackle in the 88th minute. Sheer class. EPA
    Phil Foden 10/10
    A masterclass from the young Englishman in front of Gareth Southgate. City's best player by a distance. Always bright and buzzy, popping up all over the place to play teammates in. Created the space for his own brilliantly struck equaliser, then put City in front superbly with a move that he initiated. Even raced back to make a crucial tackle in the 88th minute. Sheer class. EPA
    A masterclass from the young Englishman in front of Gareth Southgate. City's best player by a distance. Always bright and buzzy, popping up all over the place to play teammates in. Created the space f
  • A constant thorn in United's side, running and probing their defence from the left flank. Created a sharp chance for himself with cute movement early on. AFP
    Jeremy Doku 7/10
    A constant thorn in United's side, running and probing their defence from the left flank. Created a sharp chance for himself with cute movement early on. AFP
    A constant thorn in United's side, running and probing their defence from the left flank. Created a sharp chance for himself with cute movement early on. AFP
  • After his five-for against Luton, an uncharacteristically low-key performance from the Norwegian until his late goal. Miscued header on half hour then somehow missed an open goal from two yards out on stroke of half-time. Getty Images
    Erling Haaland 6/10
    After his five-for against Luton, an uncharacteristically low-key performance from the Norwegian until his late goal. Miscued header on half hour then somehow missed an open goal from two yards out on stroke of half-time. Getty Images
    After his five-for against Luton, an uncharacteristically low-key performance from the Norwegian until his late goal. Miscued header on half hour then somehow missed an open goal from two yards out on
  • (On for Doku 59'). Lovely one-two with Foden for City's second; Oscar Bobb (on for Foden, 90+7). N/A. EPA
    Julian Alvarez 6/10
    (On for Doku 59'). Lovely one-two with Foden for City's second; Oscar Bobb (on for Foden, 90+7). N/A. EPA
    (On for Doku 59'). Lovely one-two with Foden for City's second; Oscar Bobb (on for Foden, 90+7). N/A. EPA
  • MANCHESTR UNITED RATINGS: No chance with any of the City goals. One of his best displays. Cool and confident, distributed the ball well and made several key saves. Positive coming out to punch clear on crosses. Great long ball to Fernandes before Rashford goal. Action Images
    Andre Onana 8/10
    MANCHESTR UNITED RATINGS: No chance with any of the City goals. One of his best displays. Cool and confident, distributed the ball well and made several key saves. Positive coming out to punch clear on crosses. Great long ball to Fernandes before Rashford goal. Action Images
    MANCHESTR UNITED RATINGS: No chance with any of the City goals. One of his best displays. Cool and confident, distributed the ball well and made several key saves. Positive coming out to punch clear o
  • Good clearing header from early Foden shot. Showed more attacking intent as first half went on. Couple of quality passes to set teammates clear. Under the cosh like the rest of his team. AFP
    Diogo Dalot 6/10
    Good clearing header from early Foden shot. Showed more attacking intent as first half went on. Couple of quality passes to set teammates clear. Under the cosh like the rest of his team. AFP
    Good clearing header from early Foden shot. Showed more attacking intent as first half went on. Couple of quality passes to set teammates clear. Under the cosh like the rest of his team. AFP
  • Made several timely interventions to save his side when under extreme pressure. A strong performance at the heart of United's defence in the face of a City onslaught. Getty Images
    Raphael Varane 7/10
    Made several timely interventions to save his side when under extreme pressure. A strong performance at the heart of United's defence in the face of a City onslaught. Getty Images
    Made several timely interventions to save his side when under extreme pressure. A strong performance at the heart of United's defence in the face of a City onslaught. Getty Images
  • The old-timer certainly didn't disgrace himself and put in a solid shift as his side faced relentless pressure. Great last-ditch tackle just after break. PA
    Jonny Evans 6/10
    The old-timer certainly didn't disgrace himself and put in a solid shift as his side faced relentless pressure. Great last-ditch tackle just after break. PA
    The old-timer certainly didn't disgrace himself and put in a solid shift as his side faced relentless pressure. Great last-ditch tackle just after break. PA
  • Again asked to operate at left-back in the absence of the injured Luke Shaw. Worked hard to keep United's low defensive block intact. Put in a good tackle to deny Foden. AFP
    Victor Lindelof 6/10
    Again asked to operate at left-back in the absence of the injured Luke Shaw. Worked hard to keep United's low defensive block intact. Put in a good tackle to deny Foden. AFP
    Again asked to operate at left-back in the absence of the injured Luke Shaw. Worked hard to keep United's low defensive block intact. Put in a good tackle to deny Foden. AFP
  • The youngster was overwhelmed like the rest of the United midfield but worked hard to try to help his side soak up wave after wave of City attacks. Took a heavy blow to the head when blocking thunderous long-range strike from Foden. Lovely ball to set Garnacho free late on. Getty Images
    Kobbie Mainoo 5/10
    The youngster was overwhelmed like the rest of the United midfield but worked hard to try to help his side soak up wave after wave of City attacks. Took a heavy blow to the head when blocking thunderous long-range strike from Foden. Lovely ball to set Garnacho free late on. Getty Images
    The youngster was overwhelmed like the rest of the United midfield but worked hard to try to help his side soak up wave after wave of City attacks. Took a heavy blow to the head when blocking thundero
  • Good first half. Did well to snuff out chance for Stones in six-yard box. Put in some tigerish tackles to disrupt City's rhythm and linked play well in midfield with some clever passes. Ultimately, though, had no answer to the home side's quality. AP
    Casemiro 6/10
    Good first half. Did well to snuff out chance for Stones in six-yard box. Put in some tigerish tackles to disrupt City's rhythm and linked play well in midfield with some clever passes. Ultimately, though, had no answer to the home side's quality. AP
    Good first half. Did well to snuff out chance for Stones in six-yard box. Put in some tigerish tackles to disrupt City's rhythm and linked play well in midfield with some clever passes. Ultimately, th
  • Retained in the starting line-up to beef up United's midfield and provide a goal threat. Had some success in the first period. Great early ball to set Garnacho free in space. Clever run to create space for Fernandes to tee up Rashford for the opening goal. Ended the game as a virtual bystander, though. AP
    Scott McTominay 6/10
    Retained in the starting line-up to beef up United's midfield and provide a goal threat. Had some success in the first period. Great early ball to set Garnacho free in space. Clever run to create space for Fernandes to tee up Rashford for the opening goal. Ended the game as a virtual bystander, though. AP
    Retained in the starting line-up to beef up United's midfield and provide a goal threat. Had some success in the first period. Great early ball to set Garnacho free in space. Clever run to create spac
  • Did brilliantly to hold ball up and then set up Rashford for opener. Another probing pass almost sent Rashford clear. Living off scraps as City dominated. EPA
    Bruno Fernandes 6/10
    Did brilliantly to hold ball up and then set up Rashford for opener. Another probing pass almost sent Rashford clear. Living off scraps as City dominated. EPA
    Did brilliantly to hold ball up and then set up Rashford for opener. Another probing pass almost sent Rashford clear. Living off scraps as City dominated. EPA
  • A game to forget for the brilliant young Argentine. Guilty of giving the ball away too cheaply, too often when his side were under huge pressure. His touch let him down several times when in promising situations. Good break into box late in game. AFP
    Alejandro Garnacho 5/10
    A game to forget for the brilliant young Argentine. Guilty of giving the ball away too cheaply, too often when his side were under huge pressure. His touch let him down several times when in promising situations. Good break into box late in game. AFP
    A game to forget for the brilliant young Argentine. Guilty of giving the ball away too cheaply, too often when his side were under huge pressure. His touch let him down several times when in promising
  • The England conundrum's season was encapsulated in this erratic display. A breathtaking strike for United's opener but then made a total hash of several good chances. Went down far too easily to surrender possession just before Foden's equaliser. He was hooked after 74 minutes. PA
    Marcus Rashford 6/10
    The England conundrum's season was encapsulated in this erratic display. A breathtaking strike for United's opener but then made a total hash of several good chances. Went down far too easily to surrender possession just before Foden's equaliser. He was hooked after 74 minutes. PA
    The England conundrum's season was encapsulated in this erratic display. A breathtaking strike for United's opener but then made a total hash of several good chances. Went down far too easily to surre
  • (On for Evans, '59). Brought on to add fresh legs to United's desperate rearguard action. Did alright. PA
    Willy Kambwala 6/10
    (On for Evans, '59). Brought on to add fresh legs to United's desperate rearguard action. Did alright. PA
    (On for Evans, '59). Brought on to add fresh legs to United's desperate rearguard action. Did alright. PA
  • (On for Rashford, 75'). Caught offside when put in by Fernandes. Made another break late in game but could do nothing with it. PA
    Antony 4/10
    (On for Rashford, 75'). Caught offside when put in by Fernandes. Made another break late in game but could do nothing with it. PA
    (On for Rashford, 75'). Caught offside when put in by Fernandes. Made another break late in game but could do nothing with it. PA
  • (On for Mainoo, 82'). Coughed up possession for Haaland's goal; Omari Forson (on for Garnacho, 82'). N/A. Getty Images
    Sofyan Amrabat 4/10
    (On for Mainoo, 82'). Coughed up possession for Haaland's goal; Omari Forson (on for Garnacho, 82'). N/A. Getty Images
    (On for Mainoo, 82'). Coughed up possession for Haaland's goal; Omari Forson (on for Garnacho, 82'). N/A. Getty Images

Sport

Football

Man City v Man United player ratings: 'World class' Foden 10, Haaland 6; Rashford 6

City come from behind to secure a 3-1 win over rivals at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday

Stuart James
Stuart James

March 04, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described Phil Foden as the best player in the Premier League this season after the English midfielder's starring role in the 3-1 win over rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford had fired United into a shock early lead at the Etihad Stadium with an excellent finish from the edge of the area – a lead the visitors preserved until half time after Erling Haaland missed from three yards out just before the break.

But Foden ensured City ceded no ground in the title race as he blasted into the top corner to level and then produced a composed finish 10 minutes from time.

Haaland atoned for his earlier miss in added time as City moved to within one point of Liverpool ahead of a top-of-the-table clash between the two next Sunday.

"I always had the feeling he would score goals and now he is winning games. To become a world-class player at that age you have to win games," said Guardiola of Foden. "He lives to play football. That's why with 18, 19 years old he proved things but now he's more mature.

"He always scored goals but now scores goals that win games and when you do this, you reach another level as a player.

"He can play middle, right, make moments and cut inside, play in the left, scoring from the left. What can I say? He is the best player in the Premier League right now for the amount of things he does. Unbelievable."

Foden's level of consistency is making him undroppable even in a squad packed with world-class players. His current form also makes it unthinkable that he cannot be accommodated in Gareth Southgate's England side.

"We don't negotiate over that," Guardiola said when asked about Foden's defensive discipline. "The guy who doesn't do that doesn't stay in the team. He loves football, he lives for football. He is a joy and his work ethic is unbelievable."

An 11th league defeat of the season for United leaves Erik ten Hag's men 11 points adrift of the top four with 11 games remaining.

United could have few complaints after being outplayed and having just one shot on target, even if it was a spectacular one.

Rashford rounded on his critics this week as he hit back at questions of his commitment.

The England international has been a pale imitation of the forward who scored 30 goals last season for most of this campaign but showed a glimpse of the quality by smashing in off the crossbar from long range.

United's lead remained intact until half time but only thanks to a moment that will be replayed for years.

City finally cut the visitors' massed defence to shreds as Rodri's cross was headed back across goal by Foden, inviting the finishing touch from Haaland. However, he somehow turned the ball over with the goal gaping from point-blank range.

"He was disappointed, I was disappointed. I want him to score four or five goals every game like he did against Luton [in the FA Cup]," said Guardiola.

"But I don't care. He can miss this one, it is the reaction. He is sad for 10 seconds and he can miss five more and is sad for 10 seconds in his mind but after that erase it and on to the next one.

"The great, great players I met, and I've been fortunate as a player and especially a manager, they have this incredible ability to forget in an instant.

"Tennis players, golf players, basketball players, when they miss, and everyone misses, they say 'OK', smile, be positive and go for the next. That defines the great players and he did it."

The rearguard action from United was finally undone as Foden produced a strike to match Rashford's in the first half.

Ten Hag was furious that a foul had not been awarded to Rashford at the other end in the buildup, but the United player appeared go to ground too easily under contact from Kyle Walker. Rodri picked out Foden, who cut inside and arrowed a blistering shot into the top corner.

  • Manchester City's Phil Foden celebrates scoring their second goal in the 3-1 Premier League win at the Etihad Stadium on March 3, 2024. PA
    Manchester City's Phil Foden celebrates scoring their second goal in the 3-1 Premier League win at the Etihad Stadium on March 3, 2024. PA
  • Erling Haaland of Manchester City scores his team's third goal past Manchester United keeper Andre Onana. Getty Images
    Erling Haaland of Manchester City scores his team's third goal past Manchester United keeper Andre Onana. Getty Images
  • Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates scoring their third goal with Phil Foden. Action Images
    Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates scoring their third goal with Phil Foden. Action Images
  • Manchester City's Phil Foden celebrates with team-mates after scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday March 3, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Man City. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
    Manchester City's Phil Foden celebrates with team-mates after scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday March 3, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Man City. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
  • Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates after Manchester City's Phil Foden scores their second goal. AP
    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates after Manchester City's Phil Foden scores their second goal. AP
  • Manchester City's Phil Foden scores their second goal. PA
    Manchester City's Phil Foden scores their second goal. PA
  • Manchester City's Phil Foden celebrates scoring their first goal against Manchester United with Erling Haaland. Action Images
    Manchester City's Phil Foden celebrates scoring their first goal against Manchester United with Erling Haaland. Action Images
  • Phil Foden of Manchester City scores his team's first goal. Getty Images
    Phil Foden of Manchester City scores his team's first goal. Getty Images
  • Manchester City's Phil Foden scores their first goal. PA
    Manchester City's Phil Foden scores their first goal. PA
  • Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates with Scott McTominay after scoring his team's first goal. Getty Images
    Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates with Scott McTominay after scoring his team's first goal. Getty Images
  • Marcus Rashford of Manchester United scores his team's first goal. Getty Images
    Marcus Rashford of Manchester United scores his team's first goal. Getty Images
  • Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring his opener with Bruno Fernandes. Action Images
    Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring his opener with Bruno Fernandes. Action Images
  • Manchester City's Erling Haaland misses a chance. Action Images
    Manchester City's Erling Haaland misses a chance. Action Images
  • Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United blocks a shot from Phil Foden. Getty Images
    Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United blocks a shot from Phil Foden. Getty Images
  • Andre Onana of Manchester United saves a shot from Phil Foden of Manchester City. Getty Images
    Andre Onana of Manchester United saves a shot from Phil Foden of Manchester City. Getty Images
  • Andre Onana of Manchester United looks on as a flare is thrown on to the pitch. Getty Images
    Andre Onana of Manchester United looks on as a flare is thrown on to the pitch. Getty Images

"I will not say it was a tackle from Kyle Walker," United manager Ten Hag said. "They both ran and Rashy confirmed to me there was contact and I have seen it back – was very soft. But when you are in a full-speed run and you get a little touch and then you are out of control."

A slick one-two between Foden and Julian Alvarez opened up the United defence for the decisive goal as the England international fired in his 18th of the season.

"That's my aim, to turn up in the big games," said Foden, who has now scored six goals in nine Premier League games against United. "That's what I want to do. I think this season I'm proving that.

"I understand what it means to the fans. It means everything to me. To score is even better, but it was all about the win today."

Haaland's redemption rounded off a fine afternoon for the English champions. Rodri dispossessed Sofyan Amrabat and teed up the Norwegian to curl beyond Onana for his 28th goal of the season.

Updated: March 04, 2024, 4:53 AM
Manchester CityManchester UnitedPremier League