By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Erling Haaland struck in the second half as Manchester City overcame the early dismissal of Phil Foden to beat Manchester United 1-0 in a tense Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
City appeared to face a major setback in the 23rd minute when Foden was shown a straight red card following what referee Michael Oliver deemed a serious tackle.
Despite being reduced to 10 men for more than an hour, Maresca side remained disciplined and eventually found the breakthrough through their prolific Norwegian striker.
Haaland settled the contest in the 60th minute, latching on to a perfectly weighted pass before calmly driving a low shot inside the left post. The finish proved decisive as City absorbed sustained pressure from their hosts during the closing stages.
United had opportunities to punish City after the visitors went down to 10 men but repeatedly failed to find the target.
Marcus Rashford came closest in the first half when his header from near the penalty spot drifted wide. He later struck the post with a superb free-kick just before half-time, while Kobbie Mainoo also rattled the left post early in the second half.
City’s numerical disadvantage made their defensive effort increasingly important as United pushed for an equaliser.
Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a crucial late save to deny Bryan Mbeumo, who collected a pass near the edge of the box before firing towards the left post in stoppage time.
Harry Maguire also squandered an opportunity in the 86th minute, heading wide from around the penalty spot after connecting with a corner.
United continued to throw players forward in the final minutes, but City’s defence held firm through five minutes of added time.
The result was particularly impressive for City given the circumstances of the contest. After Foden’s dismissal, they had to reorganise and rely on defensive discipline while still carrying enough attacking threat to punish United when the opportunity arrived.
Haaland’s goal ultimately provided that moment.
City had also threatened before the dismissal, with Enzo Fernandez testing the United defence and later striking the outside of the right post in the second half.
United enjoyed promising spells but lacked the cutting edge required to turn possession and territorial pressure into a goal.
