MANCHESTER: Sir Alex Ferguson’s early season problems deepened after Geovanni’s first half goal settled the Manchester derby in favour of Sven Goran Eriksson and left Ferguson’s United without a win in its opening three league games.

Sunday’s victory sent City to the head of the Premiership table with a maximum nine points from its opening three games as Eriksson’s dream start at Eastlands continued.

Defeat at the hands of the former England coach will have been frustrating enough for Ferguson who enjoyed a fractious relationship with him during Eriksson’s time in charge of the national team.

But more importantly, the United manager was left to contemplate a title defence that has brought just two points and one goal from three frustrating outings.