City Watch: "This one was for you, Ricky"

Some matches are remembered for the score, others are remembered for the meaning - this was both.

On Sunday morning, Manchester woke to the heartbreaking news that Ricky Hatton world champion boxer, proud Mancunian, and lifelong Manchester City supporter had died. For many, Ricky wasn’t just a fighter. He was our fighter. Honest, brave, loyal a symbol of everything Manchester stands for.

From that moment on, the day changed. The football still mattered, but now there was something more. This one was for Ricky.

As both sets of players lined up at the Etihad, the stadium rose for a moment of appreciation. Fans, staff, and players blue and red stood as one and applauded. Then came the sound that rolled around the ground: “There’s only one Ricky Hatton.”

City started like a team on a mission. Within 18 minutes, the breakthrough came. Jeremy Doku, electric as ever, beat his man and whipped in a dangerous cross. Phil Foden timed his run perfectly and headed past United keeper Altay Bayındır. 1–0 to City, and the Etihad roared.

United struggled to respond, with City pressing high and dominating possession. Rodri anchored the midfield with typical composure. Every ball, every tackle, every run carried purpose.

Early in the second half, it was 2–0. Again, Doku was the architect muscling past Leny Yoro and slipping a clever ball to Erling Haaland. The Norwegian didn’t hesitate, calmly lifting it over Bayındır with a delicate finish. Clinical. Inevitable.

City were in complete control, but they weren’t finished.

In the 68th minute, Bernardo Silva threaded a perfect pass through the United back line. Haaland latched onto it and buried his second of the afternoon. 3–0. The red half of Manchester slumped in silence. The blue half sang louder.

For all United’s efforts, they were second best. City were sharper, faster, stronger. It was a performance worthy of the fixture and of the man it honoured.

As the final whistle blew, the players applauded the stands. City had not only won a derby they had delivered a message they’re ready for what comes next. Thursday brings Napoli in the Champions League, and with Kevin De Bruyne set to return, the timing couldn’t be better.

But on this day, it wasn’t about titles or trophies. It was about pride. About Manchester. About Ricky Hatton.

As “Blue Moon” echoed across the Etihad, and fans lingered in the stands just a little longer, the chorus rose again:

“There’s only one Ricky Hatton,

One Ricky Hatton,

Walking along, singing a song,

Walking in a Hatton wonderland.”

A fighter. A fan. A legend.

This one was for you, Ricky.