Haaland gives 10-man Manchester City derby victory over Manchester United

Erling Haaland scored the only goal as 10-man Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford, overcoming Phil Foden’s first-half red card to maintain Enzo Maresca’s perfect start as manager.

Foden was dismissed after 23 minutes for kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes, leaving City facing the prospect of playing most of the match with 10 men.

The visitors nevertheless controlled much of the contest, with their new midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez showing why City invested almost £250m in the duo.

Haaland’s decisive goal was subject to controversy. Fernandez attempted to head in Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross before it reached the Norway striker, but a VAR review ruled that he had not interfered with play. Haaland was also confirmed to be onside as he adjusted brilliantly to sweep the ball into the net on the hour.

United’s defeat adds to a difficult start to the Premier League campaign. They are already eight points behind both Manchester City and defending champions Arsenal, while Chelsea, Liverpool and United have all fallen away from the two leading sides, who are level on 12 points.

For City, the result was an important early statement under Maresca and helped ease concerns that the club might suffer a major decline following Pep Guardiola’s trophy-filled decade in charge.

The atmosphere before kick-off was shaped not only by the long-standing rivalry but also by anger among United supporters towards their own club. A recent crackdown on ticket touting has prompted widespread criticism from supporters’ groups, after many people who were not involved faced the possibility of sanctions.

In the Stretford End, the usual collection of banners and flags was replaced by a single message: “The way you treat us is a disgrace.”

City began the match as the more dangerous side and appeared to have been badly punished when Foden lost his discipline. City felt Fernandes should also have been sent off after fouling Foden and then kicking him in the back, but there was little defence for Foden’s response as he raised both legs into Fernandes’s midriff.

Kobbie Mainoo blocked a shot from Rayan Cherki that was heading towards goal, while Youri Tielemans almost turned Antoine Semenyo’s cross into his own net. At the other end, Marcus Rashford came within inches of scoring his first United goal since December 2024 when his free-kick struck the post.

Mainoo hit the woodwork soon after the interval with a long-range curling effort, but the rebound fell safely into the hands of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

City nearly doubled their lead when Senne Lammens turned Fernandez’s effort onto the post. Haaland then missed a chance to score again after connecting with Fernandez’s dangerous low free-kick.

United failed to make their numerical advantage count until the final minute of stoppage time, when Donnarumma made an excellent save to deny Bryan Mbeumo after Fernandes had picked him out with a reverse pass.

Maresca celebrated by sprinting down the touchline at the final whistle. After last season’s title race went to the final week, Arsenal and City once again appear to be operating above the rest of the Premier League.