Erling Haaland of Manchester City became the first player to score three consecutive hat-tricks at home in the Premier League as Manchester United was humiliated in the derby at Etihad Stadium.
Phil Foden scored his first treble for City as they narrowed the distance on pace-setters Arsenal to one point. Haaland's rogue start to the season continued as he made it 17 goals in 11 starts - a goal every 54 minutes - since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund.
After their recent progress, United received a harsh reality check as the defending Premier League champions ran riot to highlight the team's difference in caliber.
After eight minutes, Foden stroked home a cross from Bernardo Silva to reward City for their quick start. Haaland then unavoidably entered the fray with a goal.
As Manchester United was humiliated in the derby at Etihad Stadium, Erling Haaland of Manchester City became the first player to score three consecutive hat-tricks at home in the Premier League.
Haaland's prolific start to the season continued as he scored his 17th goal in 11 starts, or one every 54 minutes, since joining City from Borussia Dortmund. Phil Foden also scored his first treble as City reduced the deficit on league-leading Arsenal to one point.
The reigning Premier League champions ran riot to highlight the disparity in class between the teams, which served as a harsh reality check for United after their recent progress.
After eight minutes, City's quick start was rewarded when Foden headed in a cross from Bernardo Silva. Haaland then inevitably entered the fray with a goal.
Who can stop Haaland and Man City?
This was a terrifying show of firepower from the defending champions as they cemented their standing as firm favorites to win the fifth title in six years, even though Arsenal is the deserving leader of the Premier League.
The city was undoubtedly strong before Haaland joined the team, but he has elevated them to a new level by adding the element they may have been lacking by increasing the number of chances they take with his merciless finishing.
It is difficult to see how they can be stopped when De Bruyne's brilliance and Foden's ingenuity are combined. Haaland also appears to be the crucial piece that might pull the team together.
To the Etihad with the Champions League.
As City raced out to an early lead and led 4-0 at the break, United was mercifully released when referee Michael Oliver blew for halftime.
United's goal prompted City to respond, and Antony's superb goal only served as the starting point for another flurry that culminated in Haaland's record-breaking third.
Abject Man Utd humiliated them
Four straight league victories had Manchester United optimistic when they arrived at the Etihad, but their aggressive neighbors brought them back to reality.
As soon as the game began, United appeared to be out of their element. They had to survive three goal-line clearances in quick succession before Foden set the tone for the rest of the afternoon by gliding Silva's cross past a hapless David de Gea.
Ten Hag persisted with Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, and Bruno Fernandes in midfield despite the temptation to start with Casemiro, a £70 million Real Madrid acquisition.
He may now look back on that choice with sorrow as United was completely outmatched and overrun, unable to stop the flood and failing.
to deal with Haaland's creation and the incredible strength and athleticism of City.
Their recent upturn in results was placed in perspective, thus the fact that they scored more goals in the second half than City, including a beauty from new addition Antony, can hardly be considered a consolation.
This scoreline, which flattered them, put an end to any ideas at United that their recent better performances meant they were catching up to City.
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