Erling Haaland scored the only goal as Manchester City held on to beat Manchester United 1-0 in a dramatic Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
City were reduced to 10 men in the first half when Phil Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes while on the ground. VAR reviewed the incident before the decision was confirmed.
United had started the match brightly and were the more threatening side for much of the opening period. Marcus Rashford went close with a free-kick that struck the post just before half-time, while United also had several promising attacks from the flanks.
Despite playing with an extra man for the majority of the match, United struggled to turn their pressure into clear chances. The first half ended goalless, with Rashford’s free-kick the closest either side had come to breaking the deadlock.
City then stunned the home side in the 62nd minute.
Haaland tapped in at the far post after a move down the left, although the goal initially appeared to have been ruled out for offside. VAR intervened and determined that the ball had taken a touch off a United player, playing Haaland onside.
The decision sparked confusion and frustration around Old Trafford, with replays appearing to suggest Haaland had been beyond the last defender before the ball reached him. However, the goal stood and City took the lead.
United pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but City’s defence remained organised and repeatedly blocked crosses and through balls.
Kobbie Mainoo struck the post from distance, while Bruno Fernandes was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma as United continued to press.
United threw almost everyone forward in the closing stages, but City held firm to secure a valuable derby victory.
The result was particularly impressive given City’s numerical disadvantage for more than an hour, while United were left frustrated after failing to capitalise on Foden’s dismissal.
For City, Haaland’s goal proved enough to settle a fiercely contested derby and give them bragging rights at Old Trafford.
