Ten-man Manchester City hold out for derby win at Old Trafford
Erling Haaland’s controversial goal secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute.
Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford despite playing with 10 men for most of the match after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute. Erling Haaland scored the winning goal.
BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy said City’s organisation, discipline and resilience under manager Enzo Maresca were central to the result. He said United had been the better side before Foden’s dismissal but struggled to create clear-cut chances afterwards.
United hit the post twice, through Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, while City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made a late save from Bryan Mbeumo. Murphy also credited Iliman Ndiaye, introduced at half-time, with adding defensive work, ball-carrying and an attacking outlet.
The winning goal remained contentious. Murphy said Enzo Fernandez appeared to affect play from an offside position and that the goal should not have stood. Pro Ref later acknowledged an “error of judgement” in allowing it, while the referee and VAR decision permitted the goal to stand.
Murphy questioned United’s decision-making in the final third and suggested the timing of their substitutions contributed to the defeat. City’s victory gave Maresca a significant result in his first Manchester derby as manager.
