Pep Guardiola Praises Two Manchester City Stars After 3:0 Win Over Manchester United
- Pep Guardiola has praised Erling Haaland as a special player following City’s 3-0 derby win over Manchester United
- Abdukodir Khusanov also impressed in midfield for the Cityzens, showcasing defensive skill and stamina
- Goals from Haaland and Phil Foden secure a dominant City victory, extending their Premier League momentum
Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday, and Pep Guardiola made no secret of his admiration for two standout performers.
Erling Haaland and Abdukodir Khusanov earned high praise from the City boss for their influence in the Premier League derby.
Source: Getty Images
Haaland, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, has been a consistent force for the club, and Guardiola said he continues to impress, Daily Post reports.
“Erling never disappoints us since he arrived,” Guardiola said after the match.
“Erling has the commitment, that is why he signed a contract for many years. He’s a special player.”
Khusanov shines in midfield for Man City
While Haaland grabbed the headlines with two goals, Khusanov quietly dominated the pitch.
Guardiola highlighted the young midfielder’s speed, energy, and defensive contributions.
“We have in the next 11 months to play every three days. No human being can do that. I know for his physicality, he [Khusanov] is so fast, and closed that side really well,” Guardiola explained.
“He didn’t lose too many balls. Sometimes his energy makes him not make the right decision. Dorgu is so fast, and he has incredible speed. Today [Kodir] was really good.”
Khusanov’s performance helped City control the tempo of the match, breaking up United attacks and setting up quick transitions that allowed Haaland and Phil Foden to shine.
Goals from Foden and Haaland seal the win
Man City’s attacking trio was unstoppable on the day as Haaland netted twice, while Phil Foden added a goal of his own, securing a comfortable 3-0 win over their rivals, per BBC.
Source: Getty Images
The result signalled Man City’s strong start to the Premier League season after a shaky first few matches.
Following back-to-back defeats, City needed their star player to step up in the heat of a derby fixture and the 25-year-old did just that in typically cool fashion.
Goal machine Haaland took his tally to seven goals this week by netting twice in Sunday's 3-0 victory over rivals Manchester United.
Guardiola’s comments underscore the manager’s trust in both his established stars and emerging talent.
While Haaland continues to deliver consistently, Khusanov’s performance signals that City’s depth and youth are ready to make an impact at the highest level.
With a packed fixture schedule ahead, Guardiola will rely on players like Khusanov to maintain Man City’s high-intensity style to always get the results for the dethroned Premier League champions.
For now, though, attention turns to the UEFA Champions League this week, with Haaland and Khusanov’s performances likely to boost team confidence.
Haaland produce miss of the season
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that despite his current form, Haaland missed a golden opportunity in the second half of the derby.
The 28-year-old almost had a hat-trick against Manchester United but missed a sitter that hit the post in the 55th minute.
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Source: Legit.ng
