City win at Trafford, but VAR and Foden's dismissal sparks controversy
City win the derby at Old Trafford 1‑0, but the victory is marked by a VAR storm involving Foden and his dismissal, which left the team with ten men for more than an hour, sparking heated debates among the spectators.
Italian manager Enzo Maresca led Manchester City to victory, thanks to a goal from Erling Haaland. The team has kept a perfect run in the Premier League, with four consecutive wins and full points, sharing the top of the table with Arsenal at 12 points.
For the Red Devils, the day was another confirmation of a difficult spell. With only four points collected, Manchester United sit in thirteenth place, far from the European qualification zone.
First half: the red card for Foden
In the 23rd minute the captain Phil Foden was sent off for ten minutes of play, then dismissed with a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver after a heated challenge with Bruno Fernandes. Foden's action, a reaction to Fernandes's kick, left City with ten men for more than an hour.
Bruno Fernandes's action, which struck an opponent's back, became a subject of debate, as many felt it deserved the same sanction as Foden. The footage showed the kick to the back, fueling the controversy among Red Devils fans.
Second half: the decisive goal and the VAR controversy
Despite being a man down, Manchester City found the goal in the 60th minute through Erling Haaland, ever relentless in the penalty area. The shot was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision, recognizing the striker's regular position, assisted by Patrick Dorgu.
During the same play, Enzo Fernandez was in an off‑side position, influencing Lisandro Martinez's intervention without touching the ball. The Pro Ref, supervisory body, admitted the error, stating: “VAR did not recognise the possible impact of Fernandez's position and should have recommended an on‑field review.”
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed puzzlement: “We always put more layers behind referees—screens, offices, and tools—to make the right decisions, but the problem is how the rules are interpreted. I am very concerned.”
Enzo Maresca, for his part, celebrated his first career success in the Manchester derby, highlighting the team's spirit: “It’s the derby emotion, after winning with ten men. The spirit, the effort and the unity of the players were fantastic. I think Foden deserved the dismissal, but in the same play Bruno could also have received the same sanction.”
The result smiles on Manchester City, which continues the chase at the top, while the Old Trafford derby will remain in memory for the two big questions left on the table: the handling of cards and the interpretation of offside.