Manchester City celebrate Old Trafford win as Foden joins dressing-room party after red card

Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford was more than another three points for Enzo Maresca’s developing side, with the result marking their fifth successive win in the Premier League and Champions League.

The players celebrated enthusiastically in the dressing room after one of the most significant victories since Maresca took charge. Their reaction also offered an insight into the team’s changing mood and their growing belief in the new manager’s approach.

Phil Foden was sent off in the first half with the score still goalless, but the England international did not allow the setback to overshadow the result. He joined his team-mates in the celebrations at full time, sharing in a notable victory achieved despite City having to play with 10 men.

The scenes also appeared to reflect the squad’s support for Foden, with the players helping to lift his spirits after he was forced to leave the match early.

The win was a significant boost for Maresca. Manchester Evening News described it as the clearest and most valuable of City’s five successive victories, given that it came against their traditional rivals, away from home and in difficult circumstances following Foden’s dismissal.

City show resilience after Foden dismissal

Manchester City remained organised after going down to 10 men and continued to compete until the decisive moment in the second half.

They took advantage of the opportunity that came their way to move ahead, although the goal was the subject of refereeing controversy and, according to the debate surrounding the match, should have been ruled out.

City then came close to extending their lead. Enzo Fernandez’s effort struck the inside of the post, leaving the visitors with only a one-goal advantage to protect until the final whistle.

They held on successfully to claim a valuable win at Old Trafford, demonstrating that Maresca’s new-look team is beginning to develop one of the qualities required of any side competing for major honours: the ability to fight until the final moments.

Elliott Anderson was among those to discuss the atmosphere in the dressing room afterwards. He said Foden had been disappointed not to complete the match, but was still delighted by the outcome.

“Clearly, he was very disappointed not to play the whole match, but he was jumping around the dressing room with enthusiasm, just like all of us,” Anderson said.

“There is no doubt that we have a lot of ability, but we have shown a strong mentality in the first four matches, especially in this one. We did not give up, we fought in every challenge and every contest for the ball, and we waited for our opportunity. Of course, Erling Haaland managed to score.”

Anderson also reflected on his own start with the team. He acknowledged that the opening matches had presented major challenges, but said he believed he had performed very well. Hard work in training, he added, had helped him reach the best physical and technical condition possible.

“It has not been easy for me. Clearly, I have faced challenges in every match, but I think I have performed very well,” he said. “I have worked hard in training to be as ready as possible for these games, and it has been an excellent start.”