Enzo Maresca praises Manchester City’s resilience after 10-man derby win over Manchester United

Enzo Maresca said Manchester City’s ability to beat Manchester United with 10 men demonstrated the character of his side after Phil Foden was sent off in the Manchester derby.

Foden saw red after 23 minutes at Old Trafford following an altercation with Bruno Fernandes, forcing City to abandon their original approach for more than an hour.

Despite being a player short, City secured a crucial victory in the 199th meeting between the clubs when Erling Haaland scored on the hour. United pressed for an equaliser late on, but City defended their lead to claim the points.

Maresca acknowledged that Foden’s dismissal transformed the match, but said it also made life more difficult for United because City were able to defend deeper and deny them the space they usually target.

“We had a plan 11 v 11 that after the red card completely changed,” Maresca said.

“The game with 10 men became more difficult for us but also for them. They are a team that loves to play in transition and they love space in behind.

“But with 10 players we just dropped, waiting for them, and we didn’t concede any transitions or space behind. That’s why I say it became more difficult for us and for them.”

The City manager used his half-time team talk to convince his players that victory remained possible. His side stayed disciplined after the break before Haaland delivered the decisive moment.

“The message at half-time I said to the players was the game was more difficult for us – but also more difficult for them,” he said.

“So keep believing we can win the game. Believe, stay in the game and we can win this game.

“To win with 10 men is already special, but it was even more special when it’s a Manchester derby for the fans, for the players and the coaching staff.”

Maresca also discussed the two major VAR incidents during the match: Foden’s red card and the review that preceded the confirmation of Haaland’s goal.

“I think the red card for Phil Foden is a red card. But I also think in the same action it’s a red card for Bruno,” he said.

On Haaland’s strike, he added: “The fourth official told me that Erling was onside and they were just checking the entire action. Nothing more to add on the goal.”

United created late pressure and Bryan Mbuemo was denied by a significant save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. Maresca praised the goalkeeper for making the crucial intervention when City needed it most.

“Big players score at vital moments. Big keepers make big saves at vital moments like Giorgio at the end. It was a great save,” he said.

City’s next match is in the EFL Cup, when Norwich City visit the Etihad Stadium on Thursday for a third-round tie.