Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal as 10-man Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the 199th Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Gatekeepers News reports that City were reduced to 10 men in the 23rd minute after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes. Despite having a numerical advantage for more than an hour, United struggled to turn their dominance into goals.
The hosts came close to taking the lead before half-time when Marcus Rashford’s free-kick struck the post. Kobbie Mainoo also hit the woodwork early in the second half as United pressed for an opener.
City, however, produced the breakthrough in the 60th minute. Haaland converted from a deflected Joško Gvardiol cross to put the visitors ahead.
The goal initially appeared to have been ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision after determining that Haaland was played onside by United defender Patrick Dorgu.
United were unable to find an equaliser despite finishing the match with the numerical advantage. Gianluigi Donnarumma made a crucial late save to deny Bryan Mbeumo and preserve City’s lead.
The victory maintained City’s perfect start to the Premier League season, with Enzo Maresca’s side winning all four of their opening matches and collecting 12 points. They remain level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table.
For Haaland, the goal was his ninth in Manchester derbies, drawing him level with Sergio Aguero in City’s all-time derby scoring list.
The result left United with four points from their opening four league matches and added further pressure on Michael Carrick after a difficult start to the campaign.
The controversial nature of Haaland’s goal also continued after the match, with the refereeing authority later acknowledging an “error of judgment” in the decision to allow the strike.
