Old Trafford hero Rio Ferdinand was forced to admit the "gulf in class" between the two Manchester rivals was far greater than he suspected ahead of kick-off after witnessing his former side embarrassed the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester United were thrashed 6-3 by Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon thanks to hat-tricks from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. The only things which could put brief smiles on the faces of the travelling fans were Antony's fine strike and Anthony Martial's double to make the scoreline slightly more respectable in the second half.
However, many United supporters will not have seen the three goals - which flattered the visitors - as dozens of them could be seen leaving the stadium just before half-time, when City were 4-0 up. The crushing defeat brought an end to the Red Devils' four-game winning run in the top flight, which had prompted hope that Erik ten Hag had found a successful formula.
