Manchester City maintained their perfect start under manager Enzo Maresca after defeating Manchester United 1-0 in a fiercely contested Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the second half, while City also had to play for more than an hour with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the 22nd minute.
Foden was shown a straight red card after kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes following a coming-together between the two players near the touchline.
Referee Michael Oliver’s decision was reviewed and upheld by VAR.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, City remained composed and defended resolutely as United struggled to find a way through.
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both struck the woodwork, but the hosts were unable to turn their pressure into a goal.
City eventually broke the deadlock around the hour mark when Haaland finished at the far post from Josko Gvardiol’s cross.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside before a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision.
Patrick Dorgu appeared to have played Haaland onside, although questions remained over whether Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position near the goal, had interfered with play.
United pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages and introduced Benjamin Sesko, but City held firm. Bryan Mbeumo came close in stoppage time, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to produce a superb save and preserve City’s victory.
