David Moyes most likely would rather not go back to City of Manchester Stadium ever, ever again.
Manchester United came in looking to make a statement in defense of their title last year, but instead were turned away as Manchester City dominated for a huge 4-1 win in the rivalry match.
Robin van Persie did not play, missing out on his first game in 90 matches thanks to a groin strain. That streak dates back to his days at Arsenal.
The loss proved even greater when Manchester City grabbed the opening goal in the 16th minute with some great attacking play down the left-hand side. Samir Nasri won the ball and advanced down the left side, ending up just outside the box. Manchester United defender Chris Smalling closed him down well, but Kolarov supported with a great run just behind Nasri, having lost his defender Valencia.
The French winger flicked Kolarov the ball, and he lashed in a perfect cross which Aguero connected to perfectly with a 90 degree touch-volley into the top right corner for the 1-0 lead.
City were clearly on top early on, with Vincent Kompany keeping Wayne Rooney in his back pocket from the get-go. On the other end, City nearly doubled their lead with the ball dropping to Nasri in the box and his volley forced a solid save from David de Gea.
They did eventually get a second just before the halftime break, when their seventh corner of the half proved fruitful. Alvaro Negredo got a head to the ball, and Yaya Toure drifted into the danger area and finished it off for the goal.
The third for the home fans sealed their domination just two minutes after halftime, as again a wonderful bit of skill found Aguero for his second. It was Nasri down the left-hand side, and he flicked back for Alvaro Negredo who won a battle with Nemanja Vidic and cut it across the face of the goal for Aguero who again was precise with his touch.
The blue half of Manchester continued to rip their red counterparts apart, with Nasri rewarded for his hard work and assisted by a hard-working run by Vincent Kompany down the right.
Manchester United’s first real chance to get a consolation was in the 80th minute, on a corner. Patrice Evra headed off the post, and Joe Hart did well to make two great saves as it pinballed around the box. They finally did eliminate City’s clean sheet on a curling Wayne Rooney free kick into the top right corner.
Goals:
Manchester City - Aguero 16', 47', Toure 45+1', Nasri 50'
Manchester United - Rooney 87'
Lineups:
Manchester City - Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Kolarov; Fernadinho, Toure; Nasri, Navas (Milner, 71'), Negredo (Dzeko, 75'); Aguero (Garcia, 86').
Manchester United – De Gea; Smalling, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Valencia, Fellaini, Young (Cleverly, 52'); Welbeck, Rooney.