Manchester United were outclassed in Sunday’s Manchester derby, suffering a 3-0 defeat that compounds their rocky start to the Premier League season. Luke Shaw was the standout underperformer in defence, while Benjamin Sesko’s first start highlighted United’s blunt attack. With just four points from four games, their next challenge against Chelsea promises more turbulence.
Shaw’s errors directly contributed to all three goals, including Phil Foden’s opener and two strikes in the second half from Erling Haaland. United’s backline also struggled to contain the electric Jeremy Doku. Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir, starting over new signing Senne Lammens, avoided major blunders but looked nervous, while Gianluigi Donnarumma shone for City, denying Bryan Mbeumo with a superb save.
Erling Haaland has scored 15 goals in his last 10 games for club and country. 🤖🇳🇴
11 goals already this season. 6 goals this week. pic.twitter.com/KBQkmNDV43
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 14, 2025
Goalkeeper & Defence
Altay Bayindir (4/10): Nervous from the start, struggled with backpasses and spilled shots into danger before regaining composure.
Leny Yoro (5/10): He made key interventions but repeatedly exposed himself, with Doku beating him for City’s second goal.
Matthijs de Ligt (6.5/10): A lone bright spot, showing some composure as he tried to repair his teammates’ errors.
Luke Shaw (3/10): At fault for multiple goals, dazzled by Doku and beaten by Foden and Haaland. His late tackle prevented another goal but ultimately counted for little.
Midfield
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10): Drove United forward and helped defensively when possible.
Manuel Ugarte (5/10): Dominant with interceptions but couldn’t string a pass together.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10): Out of position and ball-watching for Foden’s opener, failed to control the midfield.
Patrick Dorgu (4/10): Ineffective defensively and weak in attack; poor deliveries and passive defending cost United.
Attack
Bryan Mbeumo (6/10): United’s best attacking outlet, but finishing let him down despite good positioning.
Benjamin Sesko (4/10): First start proved difficult; poor control and minimal impact highlighted why he hadn’t started earlier.
Amad Diallo (6/10): Showed energy and attempted to spark attacks when others gave up.
Subs & Manager
Kobbie Mainoo (6/10): Brought calm and led promising moves, showing he deserved a start.
Harry Maguire (4/10): Struggled after coming on, losing possession for City’s third goal and overpowered by Haaland.
Joshua Zirkzee / Casemiro (N/A): Limited impact; Casemiro notably missed a sitter.
Ruben Amorim (3/10): Terrible on an tactical level – what was Fernandes doing in midfield? lazy, disjointed performance.
Long and short, Haaland and Foden ran riot as Manchester City dominated the derby from start to finish while United were made to look a poor defensive unit with a blunt attack. There was no cohesion, heart or composure of any kind.