Manchester City vs Manchester United player ratings out of 10

We’re entering new territory when it comes to grading anything that has to do with Manchester City, making Man City vs Manchester United player ratings a real hassle.

As bad as Manchester United was in going down five goals en route to a 6-3 loss at the Etihad Stadium, there’s something about the sheer style, grace, and systematic presence of Man City that demands a curve.

[ MORE: What we learned from Man City 6-3 Man Utd ]

David De Gea allowed six goals and it’s a challenge to say he should’ve stopped more than one of them. Antony was United’s star and the fact that he’s done it against a system that challenges attackers makes you want to push him up a notch.

Mostly the Manchester City vs Manchester United player ratings beg you to consider if you’re watching the start of one of the very best seasons to ever be put onto the pitches of the Premier League.

---

Manchester City vs Manchester United player ratings

These are not going to be kind to the visitors.

Manchester City player ratings

Ederson: 6 — Yes, three goals conceded (one a penalty) but he’s so important to how Pep Guardiola wants to play as evidenced by his 78 touches and 88 percent passing rate.

Kyle Walker (Off 41′): 6 — Had little to do, relatively speaking, before leaving with a left leg injury.

Nathan Ake: 6 — Not a terrible day but you feel better when he’s on the left of the defense rather than central.

Manuel Akanji: 8.5 — Could City have added a better fit? Akanji passes supremely well and is brave when dangers comes his way.

Joao Cancelo: 7.5 — Seven recoveries in a different and perhaps just as important role than his usual marauding self.

Bernardo Silva: 8 — How old that another Silva has replaced David as City’s somehow underappreciated but clearly world class star?

Ilkay Gundogan (Off 75′): 7 — Sunday’s captain didn’t have to do too much.

Kevin De Bruyne (Off 75′): 8 — Two assists and three shots.

Jack Grealish (Off 75′): 8 — Oh boy was he a pest from moment No. 1. Terrific day for the former Villa star.

Erling Haaland: 10 — What looked like a near-perfect fit is turning out to be a perfect fit. What was anyone doubting, anyway: That a gigantic beast of a man didn’t know how to pass?

Phil Foden (Off 75′): 10 — A hat trick on six shots, four of which were on target. Twenty-one of 22 passes completed over 75 minutes. You could argue that Foden has the chance to be Pep Guardiola’s great development if the Catalan wizard didn’t help produce Messi.

fotmob.com

Subs

Sergio Gomez (On 41′): 7 — An assist but a bit too rash with the ball. Still, reassuring to see a new player make such a difference.

Julian Alvarez (Off 75′): 6.5 — Could’ve (should’ve?) scored.

Cole Palmer (On 75′): 6 — 20-year-old connected all six of his passes and created a good look to goal, but was out there for two conceded.

Riyad Mahrez (On 75′): — 6

Aymeric Laporte (On 75′): 5.5

---

Manchester United player ratings

David De Gea: 4 — His expected goals on target was under three, so there’s that, but it’s hard to fault the Spanish keeper for not depriving more than one of City’s six goals. Just two saves, however.

Tyrell Malacia (Off 46′): 4.5 — A halftime sacrifice on a yellow card, was far from the biggest culprit but not great.

Raphael Varane (Off 41′): 5 — Blocked a shot and connected on all of his passes. The extent of his injury could badly set United’s plans back.

Lisandro Martinez: 3.5 — A dreadful day for the physical center back

Diogo Dalot: 3 — Too many crosses found their way to the other side of the pitch. He was a part of both ends of that.

Scott McTominay (Off 59′): 5 — A busy, busy boy. That was likely due to Erik ten Hag’s choice to deploy Christian Eriksen next to him against the best possession team in the world. A goal line clearance, a blocked shot, an interception, and four tackles.

Christian Eriksen: 4 — Created chances and picked up an assist, but really wasn’t the right fit for what Ten Hag was attempting to do at the Etihad.

Antony: 7.5 — Quite good, scoring a beauty and showing fire over 90 minutes despite the lopsided score line.

fotmob.com

Bruno Fernandes: 5.5 — The system was a big part of his struggles, and it will be as long as a Casemiro or Fred isn’t out there; For Bruno to be near his best, he needs the freedom that will open up holes in the midfield.

Jadon Sancho (Off 70′): 5 — Seven recoveries on just 37 touches. System didn’t play to his strengths.

Marcus Rashford (Off 59′): 5 — Twelve touches in almost an hour as the center forward in a 4-2-3-1. Can’t really put that on him, can you?

Subs

Victor Lindelof (On 41′): 45 — Actually performed extremely well with the ball. Compared to peers’ days… hard to gripe with the Swede.

Luke Shaw (On 46′): 4.5 — Suffice it to say he didn’t fix what ailed United from the first half.

Anthony Martial (On 59′): 7.5 — A difference-making sub (unfortunately the difference was a three-goal loss instead of a five-goal loss).

Casemiro (On 59′): 6 — If Erik ten Hag could back and start one player, we bet it would be Casemiro. His insertion wasn’t going to save the day but his start could’ve given them a platform to play forward with more confidence.

Fred (On 70′): 6.5 — Tidy and in-control, likely a good-enough showing to merit a longer look.

Follow @NicholasMendola