Maresca Backs Foden Red Card but Criticizes Bruno Fernandes Escape in Derby Win

Manchester City maintained a perfect start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United despite Phil Foden receiving a red card in the 25th minute.

Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday to maintain a 100 percent winning start to the Premier League season. Erling Haaland secured the victory in the 199th Manchester derby with a second-half goal that was upheld following a lengthy VAR review for offside. The result leaves Enzo Maresca’s side level on points with defending champions Arsenal at the top of the table.

City played with 10 men for over an hour after referee Michael Oliver issued a red card to Phil Foden in the 25th minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. The dismissal marked the first time a City player had been sent off against United in the Premier League since 2006. While Maresca agreed with the decision against Foden, he told reporters that Fernandes should have also been sent off for appearing to kick the City midfielder while he was on the ground.

Haaland’s deciding goal involved further VAR scrutiny regarding whether Enzo Fernández was interfering with play from an offside position in the six-yard box. Officials ultimately ruled the goal valid, confirming Haaland was onside. Maresca noted that the man-advantage for United changed the tactical nature of the match, forcing City to drop deep and eliminate the transition spaces usually exploited by their rivals.