Manchester Derby: Clinical Man City Demolish Rivals Man United 4:1at Etihad in Huge Premier League Title Boost

• The much-awaited Man City vs Man United Premier League encounter ended in a 4-1 win for the reigning champions
• Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez scored a brace each to guide City to a thrilling derby win at home
• The victory sent the Citizens six points clear at the top of the charts, with the Red Devils dropping to fifth behind Arsenal

Man City have been handed a huge boost in their push to retain the Premier League title after they secured a 4-1 win over rivals Man United during an epic Manchester derby staged at Etihad Stadium.

The Sunday, March 6, encounter was arguably the biggest in the English top-flight during the weekend as it had a big bearing on the title race and the top four battle.

However, it was City who eventually emerged victors, with Pep Guardiola's charges sweeping United aside in front of their home fans.

Cristiano Ronaldo makes urgent statement on claims of split at Manchester United

Football

Man United forced to play without a striker

The Red Devils went into the 187th edition of the derby without a number of their key players including Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane.

Ronaldo is understood to have missed the Etihad trip with a hip injury, leaving Ralf Rangnick without a striker with Edison Cavani also sidelined.

Rangnick was subsequently forced to draft in Bruno Fernandes as a false No.9, with Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga joining the Portuguese in the attack.

City rip Man United apart

However, that tactical tweak failed to pay off for United as the hosts ripped them apart.

City took the lead inside five minutes of action through Kevin De Bruyne who smashed hope after a beautiful build-up involving Bernado Silva and Jack Grealish.

Jadon Sancho helped United back into the game with a stunning equaliser in the 22nd minute, only for De Bruyne to restore City's lead six minutes later.

Leeds vs Man United: Fred, Elanga come off the bench to rescue Red Devils in six-goal thriller

Football

The second half of the match saw Riyad Mahrez put the game to bed, diving a powerful effort into the back of the net with a bit of Harry Maguire's deflection to make it 3-1.

The Algerian went on to make it 4-1 deep in the second half as the Citizens stormed to a huge and comfortable win at home.

The victory leaves Guardiola's men topping the standings with 69 points, six ahead of second-placed Liverpool.

United, meanwhile, drop to fifth with 47 points, one behind Arsenal who have played three matches less.

Man United shortlists another managerial candidate

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Man United have reportedly included Ralph Hasenhuttl in their shortlist of potential managers to take charge at the end of the season.

The Red Devils are in the market in search of a permanent manager who will succeed Ralf Rangnick in the summer.

PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are firm favourites for the role, with Hasehuttl now also an option.