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.
Ferdinand was among those who was pleased with what he had seen from United in recent weeks and suspected the difference in quality between his old club and City was not too large. However, the masterclass from Haaland, Foden and their teammates left the former England defender in no doubt that there is indeed an enormous gap to the Premier League champions.
"The gulf in class between Manchester United and Manchester City is bigger than I thought before this game had kicked off," he wrote on Twitter. Ferdinand was so disheartened by what he saw from United that he said he wanted to hide in a "bunker" and, in another tweet, he wrote: " WhatsApp groups on fire...for all the wrong reasons."
Ferdinand's former teammate Gary Neville was equally dejected while serving as co-commentator for Sky Sports at the Etihad. Speaking after Haaland put City 3-0 up following a delightful pass from Kevin De Bruyne, he said: " His [Ten Hag's] players have bottled it.
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"Forget the goals they've conceded... on the ball, just giving it away all the time. They've been really nervous, Manchester United. They've just not handled this Manchester derby at all and Manchester City are too well set, they've been absolutely exploited."
Naturally, City's goalscorers were in far better spirits as they revelled in their derby victory. After the match, Foden told Sky Sports: " It's a dream come true playing in the derby, being a City fan as well. Me and Erling have built that connection now, found each other and it's been a pleasure to be apart of the team."
Haaland added: " We scored six goals, what can you say? It's amazing, win at home, six goals, it's nice!"
