Micah Richards waxes lyrical over ‘poetry in motion’ from Man City, as two attackers ruin Man Utd plan

Micah Richards heaped praise on Manchester City after they scored four past rivals Manchester United in the first half of the derby.

Manchester United were hoping to keep their opponents at bay and then catch them on the counter at the Etihad. However, this strategy was ruined just eight minutes in when Phil Foden scored.

Bernardo Silva was found out wide and he put in a dangerous ball for Foden, who converted on his left foot.

Ilkay Gundogan hit the post from a free-kick before Erling Haaland joined Foden on the scoresheet.

A corner came in and Haaland was, for some reason, marked by Christian Eriksen. The striker easily got away from Eriksen and rose tall to head over the line. Tyrell Malacia tried to clear for United but couldn’t manage it.

Haaland secured his brace a few minutes later, as things went from bad to worse for United.

Jack Grealish broke for City and gave it to Kevin de Bruyne. He put in a fantastic cross to the back post and Haaland was there to meet it on the half volley, beating David de Gea.

Haaland then turned provider and set up Foden for City’s fourth, as the pair completed their 45-minute demolition job on United.

Micah Richards hails City play

The third goal was arguably the best from the home side. And during Sky Sports’ half-time analysis of the match, Richards lauded City for the move.

“This is poetry in motion,” he said (02/10, at 14:55). “I don’t know why Man Utd decide to leave that space in the middle of the park.

“Just look at the ball from De Bruyne, the timing of it. It’s just a little dink – Varane’s got no chance.

“[Haaland] finishes it with his studs. An absolutely incredible talent Haaland is.”