Erling Haaland fired 10-man Manchester City to a memorable 1-0 victory over Manchester United despite Phil Foden’s first-half red card to extend a perfect start to Enzo Maresca’s reign. Foden kicked out at United captain Bruno Fernandes on 23 minutes to give the visitors a mountain to climb. But a new-look City were up to the challenge as the near £250 million ($340 million) midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez proved their worth.
Haaland’s winner was laced with controversy as Fernandez was deemed not to be interfering with play when he attempted to head in before the ball reached the Norwegian.
The visitors had made the better start in the opening quarter but looked to have been completely undone by Foden’s ill discipline. The woodwork came to City’s rescue again just after half-time when Mainoo curled onto the post from distance and the ball rebounded kindly into Gianluigi Donnarumma’s grasp. City, though, were not made to pay for failing to add a second as United lacked the composure and quality to make the man advantage count until the final minute of stoppage time.
Marcus Rashford was inches away from his first United goal since December 2024 when his free-kick came crashing back off the post with United’s best effort before the break.
