Manchester City beat 10-man United as Haaland derby controversy rages

Manchester City claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal in a Manchester derby dominated by contentious decisions.

The 199th meeting between the two Manchester rivals saw Phil Foden sent off in the first half before Haaland's second-half winner was initially ruled out for offside and then awarded following a VAR review.

Enzo Maresca's City secured the first Manchester derby since Pep Guardiola's departure, while United were left to rue their failure to make their numerical advantage count.

Haaland settles controversial Manchester derby

Haaland struck in the 60th minute after Patrick Dorgu lost possession for United. Josko Gvardiol delivered a cross into the box, with Haaland turning the ball in at the far post while falling.

City's celebrations were initially cut short when the goal was ruled offside on the field. However, after a lengthy and confusing delay, VAR overturned the decision.

The Premier League Match Centre said VAR determined that Haaland was in an onside position and that although Enzo Fernández had been in an offside position, he had not played the ball.

The decision sparked anger and confusion inside Old Trafford, but the goal ultimately stood and proved enough to give City all three points.

Foden sees red after Fernandes incident

The match changed in the 23rd minute when Foden was shown a straight red card for reacting to a kick from Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes caught Foden while the City player was on the ground, prompting Foden to kick out. Referee Michael Oliver immediately produced a red card.

City's players surrounded the referee in protest, but VAR official Matthew Donohue confirmed the decision.

Despite playing with 10 men for most of the match, City remained competitive as United struggled to take advantage of the extra player.

The sending-off will remain one of the major talking points from a derby that featured several controversial moments.

United hit the woodwork twice

United came closest to breaking the deadlock before half-time when Marcus Rashford's dipping free-kick from distance struck the post.

Kobbie Mainoo then went even closer shortly after the interval. His curling effort beat Gianluigi Donnarumma but came back off the post.

Rashford later had another attempt taken into the side netting, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha also tried to threaten the City goal.

United's inability to convert those opportunities ultimately proved costly.

Donnarumma makes crucial late save

City nearly doubled their advantage soon after Haaland's goal when Fernández fired a 20-yard effort towards goal, only for United goalkeeper Senne Lammens to brilliantly push the shot onto the post.

United continued searching for an equaliser, with Fernandes, Mbeumo and Harry Maguire all attempting efforts, while Haaland narrowly missed with an opportunity at the other end.

The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Donnarumma produced an important save to deny Mbeumo.

The goalkeeper's intervention preserved City's narrow lead and triggered wild celebrations among the visiting supporters.

Haaland strengthens his Manchester derby record

Haaland's goal was his ninth Premier League strike against Manchester United, making him the outright leading scorer in this fixture.

The striker once again proved decisive against United, while City demonstrated their ability to survive despite playing most of the match with 10 men.

Maresca celebrated the final whistle by charging towards the City supporters as his side secured a memorable derby victory.

United's difficult start continues

The defeat leaves Manchester United with just four points from their opening four matches.

The result also came amid protests over the running of the club. Fans displayed a sign above the tunnel reading "the way you treat us is a disgrace" as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Avram Glazer watched from the stands.

United had the chances to take something from the derby, particularly after Foden's dismissal, but Rashford and Mainoo both hit the woodwork before Haaland settled the contest.

For City, the victory provided a dramatic start to a new chapter in the Manchester derby rivalry.

SportsLigue