Erling Haaland struck the only goal as 10-man Manchester City edged Manchester United 1-0 in a fiery Manchester derby at Old Trafford, extending Enzo Maresca’s unbeaten start as City boss to four Premier League games.
The Norwegian was at the center of it all, both on the pitch and after the final whistle, as City weathered a first-half red card to grind out a result that leaves United still searching for answers under mounting pressure.
City’s afternoon looked to be unraveling early when Phil Foden kicked out at United captain Bruno Fernandes in the 23rd minute and was shown a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver.
Read also on New Daily Prime:Manchester City v Bournemouth: Maresca begins post-Guardiola era
Maresca appointed Manchester City manager on three-year deal
Fernandes had fouled Foden moments earlier, but the City midfielder reacted rashly, becoming only the second City player sent off against United in the Premier League era.
United pushed to punish the extra man but found the woodwork twice, through Marcus Rashford’s free-kick before the break and Kobbie Mainoo’s long-range effort early in the second half. Despite the setbacks, City held firm and struck on the hour mark.
Josko Gvardiol whipped a cross into the box, and Haaland stretched to steer it home from close range. Officials initially flagged the goal for offside, sparking confusion and frustration around the ground, but a VAR review confirmed Haaland had stayed onside and the goal stood, despite United’s protests over Enzo Fernandez’s position in the build-up.
Haaland’s touches were rare but ruthless. He managed just two touches inside United’s box all match, converting one of City’s only two shots from inside the area into the winner. The goal also made him City’s all-time top scorer in Premier League meetings between the two rivals.
Speaking afterward, Haaland could not hide his satisfaction with how his side responded to adversity. Asked about the performance, he called it amazing to come through the way City did. He also praised his teammates’ composure while a man down, arguing that holding onto the ball with ten players takes real personality.
City were far from finished defending their lead. Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a string of important saves late on, including a stop to deny Bryan Mbeumo from close range after Senne Lammens had tipped an Enzo Fernandez strike onto the post at the other end moments earlier.
Substitute Iliman Ndiaye also made his mark after coming on at halftime, winning five fouls, the most by a Premier League substitute in nearly two years, while completing six dribbles, a rare defensive and attacking blend for a City player introduced from the bench.
