The loss is a crisis for Manchester United, who are already falling behind the other top teams in the league. They have lost as many games as they have won this season, and they can thank Erling Braut Haaland for the last defeat. Two goals and one assist is merciless treatment of the arch-rivals on their own turf. – It was a lesson in football. It was incredible, says Micah Richards, former City player, now football expert. – They have been completely crushed, says Gary Neville about his former club. CONGRATULATIONS: Teammates gathered around the big player of the match. Photo: Reuters Controversial penalty situation The Norwegian’s show started midway through the first half. Then Haaland got ready from the penalty spot at Old Trafford. He sent André Onana the wrong way and scored the first goal of his career at the arch-rivals’ home ground. But it was the lead-up to the penalty that created debate and stole the headlines. The referees in the VAR room believed that referee Paul Tierney had overlooked an offense in United’s box and called him over to the screen to study. There, Tierney saw that Rasmus Højlund had held Rodri, who went to the ground inside the 16-metre area. Former top player Chris Waddle believes that there would be ten penalty kicks per match if the referees were to take all similar situations. – We see this in every match. Everyone holds everyone, and there is no judgement, he said at the BBC. – Another problem with VAR. Of course you can take it there, but it is very problematic as long as the vast majority are not taken, wrote football commentator Kasper Wikestad on X. – Ridiculously cheap, said journalist Sam Pilger, who has written for several major international media. ON THE GROUND: Rodri goes to the ground after a duel with Højlund. Photo: Reuters Former Premier League referee Mike Dean said on Sky Sports that it was a clear offence. – Some might say that it is too soft, but Højlund is doing something very stupid here. He is up with his arm and offers the opportunity. I understand very well that there will be a penalty there, but I wouldn’t have protested if it hadn’t been either, said former national team manager Nils Johan Semb, who sat in the studio at Viaplay. Haaland doubled Just before the break, Haaland came close to doubling City’s lead. The goal machine rose into the air in the field and nodded powerfully towards the goal. A masterful save from André Onana ensured that it was only 1-0 to the light blues at half-time. Not long after switching sides, however, Haaland came up with an almost identical chance at the back post. The 23-year-old was given time and space by an inattentive United defence, and set his sights slightly higher than on the previous chance. Onana reached for the ball again, this time in vain. Haaland’s eleventh Premier League goal of the season was a fact. At the same time, he set a record for fastest player to 20 away goals: Photo: Screen dump X Fresh United start Before the start of the match, Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton was honored at Old Trafford. The 86-year-old passed away last week. After the celebration, United went to work inspired on their own turf. And in fact, it was the red ones who looked the most dangerous at the start of the match. However, the first big chance only came after half an hour of play, when Højlund rushed through to Ederson. The Dane rounded the goalkeeper, but had a touch that was a little too long and had to start looking around for teammates. He found Bruno Fernandes in front of the goal, but the finish went over the goal. DISAPPOINTED: It was a bad evening at Old Trafford for Bruno Fernandes and co. Photo: AP – Højlund had the opportunity to make amends. There’s no doubt there’s potential there, but he lacks a bit of polish, former United hero Gary Neville commented on the forward’s long touch. In overtime of the first half, just before Haaland’s goal, Scott McTominay was sent alone against the goalkeeper. Rashford played through the Scot, who tapped on. The finish went straight to Ederson, who was beaten away. Assist by Haaland Haaland was very close to a hat trick when he got another opportunity alone against United’s goalkeeper. But Onana had a good evening at work and stopped the Norwegian. When Haaland again came alone against the Cameroonian on the eve of the match, he looked up. In front of goal he saw Phil Foden and served the Englishman. He could almost run the ball into the goal to make it 3-0 for Pep Guardiola’s men. Haaland now has five goals and three assists in four games against Manchester United in his career.
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Haaland wreaked havoc with the arch-rival – penalty situation created heated debate – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
