Five wins from five. A derby victory at Old Trafford with ten men. Enzo Maresca has made quite the start to life as Manchester City manager.

The 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday was the fifth consecutive victory in all competitions for City, and it came in the most trying of circumstances. Phil Foden's 23rd-minute red card left the Blues a man down for over an hour, and at that point the 199th Manchester derby seemed to be swinging United's way.

Maresca, though, was unbowed. He told the media afterwards that he never lost belief his side could win, despite the numerical disadvantage. His message at the interval was simple.

"The message at half-time I said to the players was the game was more difficult for us – but also more difficult for them. So keep believing we can win the game. Believe, stay in the game and we can win this game."

That belief was vindicated by a halftime change that proved decisive. Rayan Cherki made way for Iliman Ndiaye, a switch that altered the flow of the contest and ultimately led to Erling Haaland's winning goal.

Winning with ten men is one thing. Doing it at Old Trafford, in a derby, is another.

"To win with 10 men is already special, but it was even more special when it's a Manchester derby for the fans, for the players and the coaching staff."

For City's supporters, the result will have felt like a statement. Not just about the three points, but about the man in the dugout.

Maresca's appointment was not a rushed decision. City identified him as their preferred successor to Pep Guardiola midway through last season, and they were prepared to wait. That wait included protracted negotiations over the compensation package Chelsea were due for his departure, after Maresca walked away from his post at Stamford Bridge midway through the campaign.

City got their man. On this evidence, it was worth the effort.

The past two matches – against FC Porto and Manchester United – have shown a manager capable of tactical flexibility and calm under pressure. The strong start to the 2026-27 season has been impossible to miss, and the five wins from five have laid down an early marker.

It is early days, of course. But the signs are encouraging. Very encouraging.