Haaland hails Man City after United rout

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Erling Haaland hailed Manchester City's "incredible" performance as the Norwegian striker made history with another hat-trick in a 6-3 loss to Manchester United on Sunday.

Haaland destroyed United with the latest display of his predatory finishing, becoming the first Premier League player to score a hat-trick in three consecutive home games in the competition.

After 52 years without a hat-trick scorer in the Manchester derby, City were able to celebrate two hat-tricks in the same game against their rivals, with Phil Foden also scoring a hat-trick at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland has had an incredible start to life with the Premier League champions since signing from Borussia Dortmund in a £51m ($56m) deal that already looks like a bargain.

He scored 17 goals in 10 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side, including hat-tricks against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, and has now scored in eight successive City appearances.

"Not bad. We're scoring six goals, it's amazing, winning at home and scoring six goals is good," Haaland said.

"You see the passes we give each other. We always want to go forward and attack. That's what I like about the team.

"In the end, it's incredible. There's nothing more to say."

Making City's demolition derby all the more enjoyable, Foden and Haaland were City fans growing up.

"It's a dream come true to play in a derby as a City fan as well. It's been a pleasure to be part of this team," Foden said.

Thanks in large part to Haaland's blistering form, City are just one point behind leaders Arsenal as they chase a fifth Premier League title in six seasons.

It was the first time United had conceded two hat-tricks in a top-flight game since a 6-0 loss to Huddersfield in 1930.

Haaland and Foden had to battle it out for the match ball - traditionally awarded to a hat-trick scorer in English football - as well as the Man of the Match award, which was awarded to both players.

"We can make a ball for the first half and a ball for the second half!" says Foden.

It was a grueling first Manchester derby experience for United midfielder Christian Eriksen and boss Erik ten Hag.

Eriksen made no apologies after United's four-game winning streak came to a painful end.

"Everyone feels like it was a really bad day at the office. We started off on the wrong foot. They had chances from the kick-off. We can only blame each other," said Eriksen.

"We let them be at their strength. The main focus of this game will be on ourselves. There are a lot of things we need to change and a lot of things we need to do better."