Full Breakdown
Manchester derby marred by red-card controversy and disputed VAR decision
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event (September 13, 2026)
Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the 199th Manchester derby. The match hinged on two contentious officiating moments:
- 23 minutes – Phil Foden red card – City midfielder Phil Foden was shown a straight red for violent conduct after kicking Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes in the stomach. Referee Michael Oliver’s decision was confirmed by VAR.
- 60 minutes – Haaland’s winner – Erling Haaland’s strike was initially flagged off-side. After a lengthy VAR review the goal was allowed, with officials deeming City’s Enzo Fernández, who was in an off-side position, did not interfere with play.
City played the majority of the game with ten men and held on for the win.
Background & Context
The derby was the season’s first meeting after Pep Guardiola’s departure and the appointment of Enzo Maresca as City manager. Both sides entered with perfect records (four wins from four for City, one win from four for United).
Timeline
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 23 | Foden’s red card for kicking Fernandes. |
| 45+ | United hit the post twice (Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo). |
| 60 | Haaland scores after VAR overturns off-side flag. |
| 90+5 | Gianluigi Donnarumma saves Bryan Mbeumo’s late shot. |
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Manchester City 1 – 0 Manchester United.
- Red cards: 1 (Phil Foden, City).
- Minutes played with ten men: ~70.
- Goal scorer: Erling Haaland (City).
- Haaland’s derby tally: nine Premier League goals, the most in the fixture’s history.
Official Statements & Responses
- Enzo Maresca (City manager) accepted the red card as correct but argued that Fernandes should also have been dismissed. He defended the VAR decision, saying Fernández “did not play the ball.”
Criticism & Opposition
- Wayne Rooney (former United striker) suggested both players should have received yellow cards, calling the incident “stupid.”
- Danny Murphy (former United midfielder) called the red card “a bit daft” and said the challenge “wasn’t ferocious.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Reuters reported that Pro Ref said VAR was wrong to allow the goal.
- The Guardian and Sky Sports quoted the Premier League Match Centre’s explanation that Fernández “did not touch the ball,” supporting the goal’s validity.
- Pro Ref later admitted the decision was an error, creating a direct conflict between the governing body’s post-match admission and the on-field ruling that stood. No definitive clarification has been issued regarding any disciplinary action.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When they look back on this, they will recognise they got this wrong,” — Gary Neville
- “What I can't understand is the rules.” — Gary Neville
- “We put things in place in the game now to help referees, how many screens, how many people.” — Michael Carrick
- “It can be a red card, but in the same action, it can be a red card for Bruno. It is what it is,” — Enzo Maresca
What’s Next
Manchester United’s next competitive fixture is an EFL Cup third-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion on September 20. United will also look to close the early-season points gap in the Premier League. City will aim to maintain their unbeaten start as the title race intensifies.
*All statements and claims are attributed to the individuals or organisations that made them; no speculation or invented motives are included.*