Erling Haaland struck in the second half to hand a 10-man Manchester City a 1-0 win over rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, in a derby that swung on a video review after City had spent most of the game a man short.
City’s afternoon was complicated early when Phil Foden was sent off midway through the first half for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes while the United midfielder was on the ground.
Reduced to 10 men for the remainder of the match, City were made to work hard to hold on, with United striking the woodwork twice — through Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo either side of the interval — as the hosts pushed to make their numerical advantage count.
Haaland’s goal overturned, then restored
The decisive moment came on the hour mark, when Haaland found the net from a tight angle. The goal was initially chalked off for offside, but referees turned to a VAR review that showed United defender Patrick Dorgu’s outstretched leg had played the Norwegian forward onside, and the goal was awarded.
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Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for the majority of the match, City held firm defensively over the closing stages to see out the win and inflict a further blow on United’s start to the season.
The victory lifted City to second in the Premier League table on 12 points from four matches, level on points with leaders Arsenal but behind on goal difference.
United remain in 13th position with four points from as many games, their difficult start to the campaign continuing.
