Ruben Dias' genius tactic before Erling Haaland penalty spotted in Manchester derby

Eagle-eyed fans spotted Ruben Dias playing a key role in Manchester City's opening goal against Manchester United.

City ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Old Trafford in yet another one-sided Manchester derby.

Pep Guardiola's side took the lead courtesy of a controversial penalty awarded following a VAR review.

Rodri was pulled back in the area by Rasmus Hojlund but referee Paul Tierney chose to wave play on despite the protests of several City players.

However, after a brief period, VAR official Michael Oliver then ordered play to be stopped, with Tierney eventually overturning his decision after viewing the pitchside monitor.

Erling Haaland stepped up to roll the ball past Andre Onana to score his 10th goal of the season.

The Norway international grabbed his second of the match after the break, beating Onana with a header after being left unmarked in the box, with City running out comfortable winners thanks to a third goal from Phil Foden.

Fans spotted Dias doing two things before Haaland's penalty that may have helped make things easier for the striker.

The Portugal international guarded the penalty spot along with Rodri after Tierney awarded the penalty.

It comes just days after United midfielder Alejandro Garnacho was spotted scuffing the penalty spot in their dramatic Champions League win over FC Copenhagen, when Onana saved a last-minute penalty to secure the win for Erik ten Hag's side.

Dias was also spotted in conversation with Haaland moments before he took the penalty.

While it is unclear what was being said, the central defender may have been giving Haaland advice over which way Onana was likely to move.

City move back up to third in the Premier League with victory over United and are now just two points behind surprise league leaders Tottenham.

United, meanwhile, remain eighth and are now 11 points off top spot just 10 games into the season.

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Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports & Getty

Topics: Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Football, Manchester City, Premier League, Manchester United

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan