Football: Despite being a man down, Manchester City wins the derby against United (0-1)

Published on: 13/09/2026 - 19:36Modified on: 13/09/2026 - 19:57

3 min Reading time

This Premier League match always carries a unique atmosphere, and this derby was no exception. With this fourth win in four matches, Manchester City remains neck and neck with Arsenal for the top spot. For United, this home defeat, despite playing with 11 against 10 for over an hour, highlights the challenges the Red Devils face at the start of the season, having recorded only one victory in four matches.

The match, played in front of 75,000 spectators at Old Trafford, began with a strong dynamic from both sides. This duel showcased two of the best playmakers in the English league. In the early minutes, a technically precise Rayan Cherki managed to advance the Citizens' play, but failed to create any dangerous chances. On the other side, Bruno Fernandes delivered a superb lobbed pass into the path of Dalot, but the United defender missed his control in front of the goalkeeper (9').

Foden sent off in the 23rd minute

The match truly turned in the 23rd minute when Phil Foden, after a slight contact with Bruno Fernandes, retaliated with a light kick to the Portuguese's abdomen. It was this last action that referee Michael Oliver chose to punish with a red card, forcing the Sky Blues to finish the match a man down. Bruno Fernandes, who was pivotal in the Red Devils' actions, found a gap in City's defense half an hour into the game to set up Marcus Rashford. Unfortunately for the fans in the stadium, the England international completely mishandled his control. City attempted to respond as best as they could, with Rayan Cherki moving from a winger position to a more central role, but the numerical disadvantage was felt in the lack of offensive options during the Citizens' counterattacks. United dominated this first half but failed to capitalize, with Rashford hitting the post from a free kick just before the break.

The second half began as the first had ended: with a crucial post for Manchester City, this time after a powerful shot from outside the box by Kobbie Mainoo (50'). Enzo Maresca's men struggled, conceding possession to their opponents. Against the run of play, and during their first real attack, Erling Haaland opened the scoring (60') by diving in at the far post, well served by a cross from Gvardiol on the left. The Norwegian striker seems to really enjoy these Manchester derbies, as this was his 9th goal against United in his career.

The Red Devils then intensified their efforts until the end of the match, but to no avail, due to numerous technical inaccuracies and a lack of convincing offensive quality. They will need to perform better in their upcoming away match against Fulham next week, while City will host Sunderland before the international break.