The win, which pushes City up to seventh, will come as a relief to their manager Pep Guardiola, who has watched his side struggle in the league so far this season.

Yet though they dominated, City still laboured to sink United and Guardiola will be grateful to have seen the Sheffield-born former Blades player Walker score the 28th minute winner.

City had already seen a host of chances pass them by, with Aaron Ramsdale making a fine save from point-blank range to deny Ferran Torres shortly before.

Yet Walker's shot from 25 metres out skidded off the rain-sodden surface and into the bottom corner of the net.

It was the England international's first goal in almost a year, since finding the net in a 2-1 win against Southampton on November 2, but it brought a respectful muted celebration from the 30-year-old.

Guardiola's side were well worth their win with an utterly dominant display, while there will be easier examinations for Chris Wilder's men, who are still without a win in the Premier League this season and have just one point after seven games.

Australian Associated Press