Erling Haaland fired 10-man Manchester City to a memorable 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday as Enzo Maresca’s side maintained their perfect start to the season despite Phil Foden’s first-half red card.
Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes, leaving City to play the majority of the match with 10 men.
But the new-look City side rose to the challenge, with the midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez — costing almost £250 million ($340 million) combined — making a significant impact.
Haaland’s winner was not without controversy, however, after Fernandez was judged not to have interfered with play when he attempted to head the ball before it reached the Norwegian striker.
The defeat compounds a miserable start to the Premier League campaign for United, who are already eight points behind City and defending champions Arsenal.
For Maresca, the victory was an emphatic statement and helped ease concerns that City could suffer a significant decline following Pep Guardiola’s trophy-laden decade in charge.
A tense atmosphere greeted both teams before kick-off, fuelled not only by the traditional rivalry but also by growing anger among United supporters towards their own club.
A recent crackdown on ticket touting has drawn widespread criticism from supporters’ groups, with many fans facing the threat of sanctions.
The usual collection of banners and flags in the Stretford End was replaced by a single message: “The way you treat us is a disgrace.”
City had made the brighter start during the opening 20 minutes but appeared to be handed a major setback by Foden’s reckless challenge.
City could argue that Fernandes also deserved a red card after fouling Foden before kicking him in the back.
There was less doubt about Foden’s dismissal, though, as he retaliated by raising both legs into Fernandes’s midriff.
United briefly threatened after the red card, with Kobbie Mainoo blocking Rayan Cherki’s goalbound effort. Youri Tielemans also nearly turned Antoine Semenyo’s cross into his own net as City continued to look the more dangerous side.
Marcus Rashford came closest for United before the break when his free-kick crashed against the post, narrowly missing the chance to score his first goal for the club since December 2024.
Donnarumma comes to City’s rescue
The woodwork again saved City shortly after the restart when Mainoo’s long-range effort curled onto the post before rebounding straight into the arms of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But against the run of play, City delivered the decisive blow on the hour mark.
Haaland adjusted brilliantly to meet Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross and sweep the ball into the net.
A VAR review confirmed the striker was onside and ruled that Fernandez had not interfered with play despite attempting to head the ball himself.
City almost doubled their advantage when Fernandez’s effort was brilliantly tipped onto the post by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Haaland should also have added a second when he met a dangerous low free-kick from Fernandez but failed to convert.
City were ultimately not punished for their inability to kill off the game, with United lacking the composure and quality to exploit their numerical advantage until deep into stoppage time.
Fernandes’ clever reverse pass released Bryan Mbeumo, but Donnarumma produced an excellent save to preserve City’s lead.
Maresca sprinted down the touchline in celebration at the final whistle as City secured another statement victory.
After last season’s title race went down to the final week, Arsenal and City already appear to be separating themselves from the rest of the Premier League.
Both sides have 12 points, while Chelsea, Liverpool and United are already struggling to keep pace.
AFP
