Man City secured a comfortable victory over Manchester Unitedplaceholder image
Man City secured a comfortable victory over Manchester United | Getty Images
It was an emotional day as Manchester City defeated Man Utd with ease in the Premier League.
The sporting world was rocked on Sunday morning when it emerged that Hatton had passed away at the age of 46. Players from both sides wore back armbands, and there was also a moving minute's applause in tribute to the legendary boxer ahead of kick-off.
Phil Foden scored a header and Erling Haaland netted a brilliant brace as City marked the emotional occasion with a deserved 3-0 victory that they dedicated to Hatton. Speaking after the match, Guardiola revealed they did not speak about the news ahead of kick-off, but he was moved by the magnificent tribute to a Manchester icon.
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"No, I didn't speak about that," he told reporters. "I've been ten years here, there's a lot of minutes silence, I don't remember one so so so intense like today. I want to say thank you so much for Man United fans for the way they behave and they applaud. I know he was a world champion in boxing.
"It was a special, special moment. Of course, there's no words that can explain the pain that the family can feel right now for this loss.
"But of course, we are close. I know how incredible Man City fan he is, he could live the bad moments and the good moments in the last 10, 15 years. I think he will enjoy it. I know for the fans how close he was.
"The minute’s applause was unbelievable. It was an experience that I will always remember because they feel, in every applause or every person in the stadium, the gratitude for what he has done professionally and of course being a massive, massive City fan. We are so sad and feel so sorry for the family."
Speaking after the win, City forward Foden dedicated the victory to Hatton and his family. "100 per cent. I had extra motivation going into the game, it was for him and his family. It was all for him and we are delighted with the result."
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