Manchester United 0-1 Manchester City: Maresca’s 10 men earn controversial derby win

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Manchester United
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Manchester City
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Erling Haaland 60′

Despite Phil Foden’s red card, Manchester City claimed derby day glory at Old Trafford, with Erling Haaland’s controversial second-half goal enough to earn a 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Foden lost his cool and looked likely to hand City their first defeat of the season. Foden was kicked on the pitch by Bruno Fernandez and he responded by kicking the Portuguese in the stomach, with referee Michael Oliver wavering off a red card without hesitation.

However, City clearly came into the game after going down a man and United’s feeble attack essentially turned into shots from distance, although both goals did come agonizingly close as Marcus Rashford and Kobe Mainu hit the post respectively.

Enzo Maresca’s side have been rewarded for their hard work in the face of self-imposed adversity, with Guardiola’s successor tasting victory as manager amid controversy.

City’s celebrations were initially interrupted by an offside flag as Haaland latched on to Josko Gvardiol’s left-wing cross and fired a brilliant close-range shot into the top left corner.

However, after a lengthy VAR check, it was deemed that Haaland had been put aside by Patrick Dolgu. Enzo Fernandez was clearly offside and, despite attacking a pass while being marked by Lisandro Martinez, was ruled not to interfere.

The decision sparked madness in the light blue Old Trafford corner, with the only cheers thereafter coming from City fans as United searched in vain for an equalizer.

United looked set to be on the verge of redemption when Fernandes passed a brilliant pass to Brian Mbemo, but Gianluigi Donnarumma was a reminder of his goalkeeping prowess with a stunning save.

A derby win would be an especially sweet one to keep City on pace defensively Premier League Arsenal won the title with four wins from four games. United, meanwhile, are eight points behind these two teams at the start of Michael Carrick’s first full season.

Although United were dominant for much of the early game, they struggled to cause Donnarumma problems, although their chances of doing so seemed to increase when Foden received a red card.

Foden was vehemently defensive after his altercation with Fernandes, but the only dubious aspect of Oliver’s decision was that the United midfielder at least did not receive a yellow card for his role in the incident.

Foden went the long way down the tunnel and became the first City player to be sent off in a derby since Bernardo Corradi in December 2006.

City’s saving grace was that they didn’t lose a single defensive player, while United’s efforts at breaking through them were decidedly underwhelming. Indeed, City established a greater foothold in the game after Foden’s early exit, although they were grateful for Rashford’s free-kick which hit the left post in first-half stoppage time.

Donnarumma was in chaos again eight minutes into the second half when Maine’s hiss from the edge of the area rattled the woodwork and the ball eventually bounced off the Italian keeper to safety.

But that close call did not herald a period of intense pressure for United, who paid the price seven minutes later when Haaland’s instinctive strike failed to control the situation.

The Norwegian talisman was somehow able to guide Gvaldiol’s quick deflection across goal, with Dolgu’s right foot ensuring he stayed wide. The debate over whether Fernandes interfered with the match will continue for some time.

United responded from behind by sending on Benjamin Sesko, but only a fine save from Senne Lammens prevented City from doubling the lead, with the Belgian tipping Fernandez’s long-range shot onto the post.

Mbeumo then headed narrowly wide at the other end and Haaland squandered a great opportunity to turn Fernandez’s pass into play, with Mark Gheishi undoubtedly better suited to cross the ball over.

City looked certain to regret the mistake when Fernandes found Mbeumo unmarked in the box, but his shot was too close to Donnarumma, who produced a heroic performance that earned Maresca’s side bragging rights.

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