Minority status didn't save United: Manchester City won the derby with ten men thanks to Haaland's goal

In a Matchday 4 English Premier League fixture, Manchester United fell 0-1 at home to Manchester City. The high-stakes derby took an unexpected turn in the first half: in the 23rd minute, Phil Foden was sent off for striking Bruno Fernandes, and referee Michael Oliver showed the Englishman a straight red card, a decision that was upheld after a VAR review. Nevertheless, the "Citizens" not only held their own in numbers but also scored the only decisive goal, which was netted by Erling Haaland. More on the course of the match and its implications for both teams in the Sport RBC.UA article Sport RBC.UA.

Match flow: Foden's sending-off and the hosts' squandered advantage

The teams started the match cautiously, but the incident in the 23rd minute shifted the balance of power. After Foden's straight red card, Manchester City had to play most of the match with ten men, which logically opened up space for the hosts. However, United failed to convert their numerical advantage into a sufficient number of real chances against Gianluigi Donnarumma, who performed confidently in the visitors' goal.

Haaland's decisive strike and the VAR check

After the break, the "Citizens" effectively seized the initiative. In the 60th minute, Erling Haaland made the most of a pass from a teammate and sent the ball into the net. The goal was initially checked via VAR for a possible offside position, but it was awarded. In the closing stages, the "Red Devils" tried to equalise: one of the hosts' best chances — a shot by Coby Mainoo, which struck the post — and in the final minutes United again had a chance to rescue the match, but Donnarumma was reliable, and City held on to their 1-0 lead.

Standings implications for the teams

For Manchester United, this is already their second defeat in four league matches under Michael Carrick. The team started with a loss against Premier League newcomers "Gull City" (0-2), then thrashed Ipswich (5-2), and in the third round drew with Everton (2-2), losing their lead after Ainsley Maitland-Niles' goal in the 90+6th minute. As a result, the Mancunians remain on 4 points and sit in the lower part of the top half of the table.

City keeps fighting for the lead

Manchester City, by contrast, entered the derby with a 100% record: Enzo Maresca's side had successively beaten Bournemouth (2-1), Crystal Palace (4-1) and Coventry City (1-0). After the derby win, the "Citizens" have collected 12 points from 12 available and have four wins in a row. On tiebreakers the team sits second, trailing Arsenal, who also have 12 points but a better goal difference. Thus, City continues its fight for the lead without dropping points, while United continues to struggle at the start of the season.