10-man Manchester City produced an heroic performance to beat Manchester United 1-0 in a dramatic Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Enzo Maresca has passed his first real test as Pep Guardiola's replacement with flying colours as his side battled their way to a crucial three points to maintain their 100% record alongside Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
Manchester United v Manchester City Report
Michael Carrick made three change from Manchester United's midweek UEFA Champions League opener, with Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire coming in for Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro, while Marcus Rashford returned to the starting line-up in place of Benjamin Sesko.
A big blow for the hosts was the continued absence of England left-back Luke Shaw, who wasn't named in the squad and meant Patrick Dorgu had to continue to deputise at left-back.
As for the visitors, Elliot Anderson replaced youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki both started, with duo Iliman Ndiaye and Nico O'Reilly named on the bench for City.
The hosts had the better of the early exchanges without creating a real clear-cut opportunity, but their chances of success were greatly improved following a hugely controversial moment on 23 minutes.
A coming together between Bruno Fernandes and Phil Foden ended with the Manchester City man being shown a straight red card for a kick to the stomach. VAR confirmed the decision, but no action was taken against the United captain.
If anything, being reduced to 10 men seemed to galvanise the visitors and they started to see more of the ball in the final third.
It was United though who came closes to breaking the deadlock when Marcus Rashford saw his terrific free-kick cannon off the post and away to safety.
Iliman Ndiaye replaced Rayan Cherki for City at the interval, but it was United who looked as though they were finally starting to make the extra man count.
It was Kobbie Mainoo's turn to hit the woodwork for Carrick's side before Rashford hit the side netting.
Another hugely controversial moment came on the hour mark and the minutes that came straight after as VAR conducted its review.
Erling Haaland slotted home a deflected Josko Gvardiol cross and it was then up to VAR to assess whether the City striker was offside when Dorgu had attempted to stop the cross. It was also a real point of contention as to whether Enzo Fernandez, who was clearly offside, was interfering with play.
The goal was eventually given to send the travelling fans into raptures and resulted in real confusion from the majority of the home faithful.
United couldn't really fashion a response and it was City who came close to doubling their lead, but the woodwork denied them this time.
As expected, the Red Devils continued to dominate possession as they searched for an equaliser, but City stood firm to record a famous Manchester derby victory with 10 men at the home of their bitter rivals.
While Haaland scored the decisive goal, it was also Gianluigi Donnarumma who made sure of the three points with a sensational save from Bryan Mbeumo in the last minute of stoppage time.
Maresca's side will aim to make it five wins from five when they play Sunderland before the international break, while United travel to Fulham and will be desperate to improve their poor start to the campaign after taking four points from a possible 12.
Manchester United v Manchester City Match Stats
Manchester United | 0-1 | Manchester City |
54.7% | Possession | 45.3% |
16 | Shots | 6 |
0.95 | XG | 0.99 |
3 | Shots on Target | 2 |
1 | Goalkeeper Saves | 3 |
6 | Corners | 7 |
17 | Fouls committed | 10 |
4 | Offside | 1 |
1 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
0 | Red Cards | 1 |
