Erling Haaland gestured to Phil Foden to celebrateCredit: Getty

Erling Haaland registered two goas and one assist in City’s 3-0 victoryCredit: Rex

After putting the ball on a plate for Foden, he gestured as if to give the floor to him for his celebration.

The gesture sparked one fan on Twitter to say: “You know the rivalry is dead when Man City are taking turns to do a celebration.”

It sparked another fan to say that Haaland and Foden are the “owners of Manchester United.”

A third said: “Erling Haaland is showing United fans the exit.”

While a fourth wrote “Theatre of dreams they say” next to a photo of Manchester United Antony looking angry.

Haaland, who celebrated wildly after his two goals, said after the game that he had drawn on the taunts he received from Manchester United fans as motivation.

Parts of the United crowd chanted “Keano” – reminding Haaland of the injury Roy Keane had caused to his father, Alfe-Inge, in 2001.

Keane raked his studs down Haaland’s knee and essentially ended Alfe-Inge’s career.

The Norwegian would only make four substitute appearances the season after the injury and retired aged 30.

Haaland Jr said after the game: “There were so many people singing ‘Keano’, I don’t know why, but I used it as motivation and gave them a good celebration.”

Asked if it was City’s best performance of the season so far, Haaland said: “I think so — in terms of controlling the game and playing the football we wanted to play.

“It was a fantastic performance, a controlled 90-minute game and every single City player had a fantastic performance.

“It was not easy but the way we kept going in the game was incredible.”

Haaland took his tally to 11 Premier League goals this season — as many as United’s whole squad put together.

Asked if beating City’s Manchester rivals makes this victory extra special, he added: “Of course. In the big picture it is three points.

“You need consistency throughout the season in the competition.

“There are still 84 points so it’s just about getting three points week in, week out.”