Manchester City claimed bragging rights in the Manchester derby with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, in a match defined by Erling Haaland’s controversial winner and a resolute performance with ten men for over an hour.
City played a man down from the 23rd minute following Phil Foden’s straight red card for a violent reaction toward Bruno Fernandes, but maintained their composure to snatch all three points in the second half.
The game’s sole goal arrived in the 60th minute when Antoine Semenyo delivered a cross that Enzo Fernández attempted to head, before the ball reached Haaland, who outmaneuvered his marker to direct it into the back of the net.
Haaland Becomes All-Time Top Scorer in Manchester Derby History
Haaland increased his tally to nine goals across eight Manchester derby appearances in the Premier League, claiming the outright record ahead of Sergio Agüero (eight goals in 13 matches) and Wayne Rooney (eight goals in 21 matches).
Despite his dominant form against United, they are not his most frequented opponent; Haaland has scored 12 goals against RB Leipzig and 11 against West Ham in the Premier League. However, United have now conceded more goals to Haaland than any other “Big Six” English club.
Historic Victory With Ten Men
City required immense resilience following Foden’s dismissal, with Marcus Rashford hitting the post before halftime, Mainoo seeing a second-half effort denied by the woodwork, and Gianluigi Donnarumma making a decisive stoppage-time save against Bryan Mbeumo.
Manchester City became only the second team in Premier League history to defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford after receiving a red card, matching Everton’s achievement from November 2025.
Enzo Maresca’s side maintained a perfect record, collecting 12 points from their opening four matches, while Manchester United remain 13th in the table on four points following a second defeat in a sluggish start.
