The electric atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025, was unmistakable as Manchester City delivered a statement victory over their fierce rivals, Manchester United, in a derby that had fans buzzing long before the opening whistle. The 3-0 triumph was not just a showcase of City’s attacking prowess but also a testament to the club’s unity and resilience after a challenging fortnight. Among the sea of blue, one VIP attendee was impossible to miss: Maya Jama, the popular Love Island host and girlfriend of City’s defensive stalwart Ruben Dias. Jama’s presence in the VIP seats added a touch of celebrity sparkle, as she led the Ruben Dias fan club in full voice, soaking up every moment of the high-stakes clash.
Manchester derbies are always charged affairs, but this one carried extra emotional weight. Both clubs and their supporters paid heartfelt tribute to the late Ricky Hatton, the legendary boxer and lifelong City fan whose memory loomed large over the proceedings. The City faithful, still mourning Hatton’s passing, found solace in a performance that honored his legacy with both style and substance. The players responded to the occasion, channeling the emotion into one of their most dominant derby displays in recent memory.
From the outset, Manchester City looked determined to set the tone. The first half saw relentless pressure from the home side, with United’s defense stretched thin by City’s trademark passing and movement. Erling Haaland, already a household name in the Premier League, once again proved why he’s considered one of the world’s most lethal strikers. His opening goal sent the Etihad into a frenzy, and the Norwegian didn’t stop there. Haaland would go on to net a second, marking his 50th Premier League goal at the Etihad—a remarkable milestone that drew cheers from every corner of the stadium.
Phil Foden, City’s homegrown hero, also got in on the act, adding a third goal to cap off a one-sided affair. Foden’s energy and creativity were on full display, and his strike left United’s hopes in tatters. For the visitors, it was another frustrating afternoon as their attack sputtered and failed to find a way past City’s organized backline. The defensive unit, marshaled by Ruben Dias, was rock solid. Dias, although not wearing the captain’s armband on this occasion, played a central role in securing a clean sheet, snuffing out any threat United could muster.
Maya Jama, who has become a familiar face at both City matches and international fixtures involving Dias, seemed to relish every minute. Cameras frequently panned to the VIP section, where Jama’s animated celebrations and visible support for Dias drew attention from fans and pundits alike. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she appeared to be the unofficial leader of the Ruben Dias fan club, rallying those around her and sharing in the joy of City’s success. Reports have even suggested that Jama is considering a permanent move from London to Manchester to be closer to Dias—a testament to the strength of their relationship and her growing ties to the club.
“It’s always special to have loved ones in the stands,” Dias reportedly said after the match, though the spotlight was firmly on his performance. City’s defensive discipline was crucial, and Dias’s leadership, even without the armband, was evident. The Portuguese international has been a regular choice for the captaincy under manager Pep Guardiola, and his consistency at the back has made him a fan favorite. With Jama cheering him on, Dias seemed to play with an extra spring in his step, meeting every challenge with composure and authority.
Haaland’s brace was the talk of the evening, especially as his second goal brought up that eye-popping 50-goal milestone at the Etihad. The Norwegian striker continues to shatter records, and his partnership with Foden and the rest of City’s attacking lineup is a nightmare for opposing defenses. “He just keeps scoring,” one supporter was overheard saying, and it’s hard to argue with the numbers. Haaland’s impact since arriving at City has been nothing short of sensational, and this derby performance only added to his growing legend.
United, meanwhile, were left searching for answers. Their attack, which has struggled for consistency all season, once again failed to deliver. City’s defenders, led by Dias, were quick to snuff out any danger, and United’s few chances fizzled out before they could trouble the goal. The clean sheet was a point of pride for City, especially after a challenging run of fixtures that had seen their defensive solidity questioned by some pundits.
But this match was about more than just the result—it was about the atmosphere, the emotion, and the sense of occasion. The tribute to Ricky Hatton before kickoff set the tone, and City’s players responded with a performance that would have made the boxing legend proud. The fans, too, played their part, creating a wall of noise that spurred the team on from the first minute to the last.
For Maya Jama, the experience was another chapter in her growing association with Manchester City. Her support for Dias and the team has not gone unnoticed, and her regular appearances at the Etihad have endeared her to the City faithful. The possibility of a move to Manchester suggests that her connection to the club—and to Dias—is only set to deepen. “She’s become part of the City family,” one fan remarked, summing up the sentiment of many who have watched her embrace her role as a superfan.
As the final whistle blew, City’s players and supporters celebrated a win that felt significant on multiple levels. Not only did it reaffirm their dominance over their local rivals, but it also provided a fitting tribute to a beloved fan and a boost in morale after a difficult period. With stars like Haaland and Foden leading the charge, and with the unwavering support of fans like Maya Jama, Manchester City look poised to keep pushing for more silverware as the season unfolds.
The blue half of Manchester will savor this derby victory for some time, and with Maya Jama cheering from the stands, Ruben Dias and his teammates know they have the backing of both the City faithful and a growing celebrity fan base. The rivalry rages on, but for now, it’s City who hold the bragging rights—and the momentum—as the Premier League season heats up.
