Haaland capitalizes on a sending‑off to gain the edge
This Sunday, at Old Trafford, Manchester United hosted Manchester City for the fourth round of the Premier League. In the 23rd minute, Phil Foden was sent off after a bad move on Bruno Fernandes, leaving the Citizens with ten against eleven. Despite this numerical advantage, the Red Devils did not find the back of the net before halftime.
Foden's sending off
The young number 47, Phil Foden, reacted violently by striking the lower abdomen of Bruno Fernandes, a gesture deemed unacceptable by referee Michael Oliver, who immediately brandished the red card. The footage shows that Fernandes had previously lightly touched Foden's stomach, fueling the controversy surrounding the incident.
The United tried to exploit their superiority by pressing high. Marcus Rashford saw his free kick hit the post in the 45th minute, then Mainoo saw his 20‑meter shot ricochet off the same obstacle in the 51st. The chances kept coming without being converted.
For their part, the Citizens looked to respond. Enzo Fernandez saw his shot rebound off the post in the 69th minute, while Harry Maguire missed a header in the 86th. Manchester United's defence held firm despite the growing pressure.
Haaland's decisive goal
After the break, Erling Haaland found the net in the 63rd minute, his shot initially denied then confirmed after VAR intervention. This goal gave the Citizens the lead, which they held onto until the end of added time.
In the final minutes, the Citizens' goalkeeper Donnarumma made a decisive save from Mbeumo, preserving the score. The effort was hailed as a key moment of the match.
The Red Devils kept pushing, but none of the attempts resulted in a goal. Thus, Carrick's protégés left with three points, despite having played with ten.
Bruno Fernandes, the league's top assister last season with 21 assists, was nevertheless at the centre of the day's controversy.