Ten-man Manchester City held on for a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal despite Phil Foden’s first-half red card.
Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute after kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes, leaving City with 10 men for more than an hour.
However, Enzo Maresca’s side remained the more threatening team and secured a significant victory that maintained their perfect start under the new manager.
Haaland settled the derby on the hour mark when he adjusted brilliantly to sweep home Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross.
The goal was reviewed by VAR, which ruled that Haaland was onside and that Enzo Fernandez, who attempted to head the ball before Haaland reached it, had not interfered with play.
City had to withstand pressure from United after going a man down, but their new midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Fernandez impressed throughout.
United were also denied by the woodwork on two occasions. Marcus Rashford’s free-kick struck the post before half-time, while Kobbie Mainoo curled another effort onto the post shortly after the restart.
City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also played a key role, making a crucial save in stoppage time to deny Bryan Mbeumo after Bruno Fernandes had found him with a reverse pass.
City almost doubled their lead when Fernandez’s effort was turned onto the post by Senne Lammens, while Haaland missed another opportunity from Fernandez’s low free-kick.
United’s defeat leaves them eight points behind City and defending champions Arsenal, adding to their difficult start to the Premier League season.
The result was also a major statement from Maresca as he seeks to maintain City’s level following Pep Guardiola’s trophy-laden decade in charge.
The derby was played against a tense atmosphere, with United supporters protesting against the club’s handling of ticket touting.
The usual banners and flags in the Stretford End were replaced by a single banner reading: “The way you treat us is a disgrace.”
City had started the match brightly before Foden’s dismissal changed the contest.
City argued that Fernandes should also have been sent off after fouling Foden and then kicking him in the back, but Foden’s retaliation, in which he raised both legs into Fernandes’s midriff, left little room for a defence of his actions.
Kobbie Mainoo blocked Rayan Cherki’s goalbound effort, while Youri Tielemans narrowly avoided turning Antoine Semenyo’s cross into his own net as City continued to threaten.
The victory leaves City, Arsenal and Chelsea level on 12 points, while Liverpool and United are also already trailing the leading sides.
Maresca celebrated at the final whistle after City secured one of their most impressive victories of the season.
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