ACTU

Manchester Derby: City win with ten men, United let a huge chance slip

Fondateur & Rédacteur en chef · 13 septembre 2026

A derby unlike any other. For the first time in ten years, Manchester City faced Manchester United without Pep Guardiola on the bench. After a decade marked by the Spanish coach's dominance, it was Enzo Maresca who took on the responsibility of leading the Citizens in this 199th Manchester derby.

And for his first taste of this fixture, City's new manager experienced almost every possible scenario: a sending-off in the first half, a team reduced to ten men, a goal subject to VAR review and a nervy finish under pressure. Yet after 90 minutes, Manchester City won 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to Erling Haaland, confirming their perfect start to the season.

Foden sees red, City refuse to give up

The match turned in the 23rd minute. Following a duel with Bruno Fernandes, Phil Foden reacted and was sent straight off. City then had to play with ten men for more than an hour.

But Maresca did not immediately choose to shut up shop. The Citizens reorganised their setup while still trying to push forward. United then had a golden opportunity to make the most of their numerical advantage.

Marcus Rashford hit the post from a free kick before the break, and Kobbie Mainoo then also struck the woodwork after it. Two chances that could have changed the course of the derby.

Cherki withdrawn at half-time, Ndiaye alters the setup

At half-time, Rayan Cherki made way for Iliman Ndiaye.

This substitution was not simply meant to shore up City defensively. With a man fewer, Maresca was above all looking to reorganise his side's setup and maintain a genuine attacking threat.

Ndiaye brought more mobility, drive and pace in transition. City accepted having to defend more, but retained the option of breaking quickly and pushing United back.

It was a telling choice reflecting Maresca's approach: even ten against eleven at Old Trafford, City's new manager did not give up on playing to win.

Haaland strikes, VAR confirms

In the 60th minute, City found the breakthrough.

From a move down the left, Joško Gvardiol delivered a deflected cross. Erling Haaland pounced and finished with a shot from close range.

The goal was initially disallowed for offside. VAR intervened to check the Norwegian's position and the potential involvement of Enzo Fernández, who was in an offside position.

After review, the goal was finally awarded: Patrick Dorgu's outstretched foot kept Haaland onside.

0-1 to City.

United then had to chase the game despite their numerical advantage.

United push, City hold firm

The Red Devils kept more of the ball and created several chances, but struggled to find a way through.

City defended with discipline and could rely on Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was decisive in the closing minutes. United would have further chances, but the Citizens held on.

City could even have doubled their lead when Enzo Fernández struck the post.

A successful first outing for Maresca

This derby was meant to mark the start of a new era at Manchester City after ten years under Guardiola. In the end, it gave Maresca a particularly strong first landmark result.

Reduced to ten men from the 23rd minute, City managed to change their setup, maintain an attacking threat with the introduction of Iliman Ndiaye, take one of their rare genuine chances and hold on until the final whistle.

United had the numerical advantage and the chances to turn the derby around. City had the efficiency and the capacity to adapt.

For his first Manchester derby, Enzo Maresca leaves Old Trafford with a win and four victories from four Premier League matchdays. A first outing that could hardly have been more symbolic of the new era now beginning at Manchester City.

Starting line-ups

Manchester United: Senne Lammens — Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Patrick Dorgu — Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans — Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford — Matheus Cunha.

Manchester City: Gianluigi Donnarumma — Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Marc Guéhi, Joško Gvardiol — Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernández — Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo — Erling Haaland.