City dig deep after Foden's early bath
Manchester City left Old Trafford with all three points on Saturday, winning 1-0 despite playing with ten men for much of the match. Phil Foden's 23rd-minute red card gave United a numerical advantage, but the hosts never looked like making it count.
The decisive moment came from Erling Haaland, whose winning goal carried a whiff of offside controversy. The Norway international appeared to be in an offside position when the ball was played across goal, but the goal stood. It was a familiar story for United, who huffed and puffed without ever really threatening.
Josko Gvardiol, of all people, provided the assist. The left-back surged forward to set up Haaland, and United's Bryan Mbeumo was left to rue his failure to track the run. It was that kind of afternoon for the hosts.
United's tame display in numbers
Senne Lammens in the United goal had precious little to do, yet still conceded from one of only two shots on target he faced. The goalkeeper could do nothing about Haaland's finish, but the lack of clear-cut chances City created will not have gone unnoticed by the away support.
Diogo Dalot, one of United's better performers, largely kept Antoine Semenyo quiet. Patrick Dorgu was dangerous going forward, even if the final ball eluded him. Harry Maguire was generally steady but could not snuff out Haaland's threat. Lisandro Martinez made three tackles in a valiant effort to repel City's attack.
The midfield battle was won comfortably by City's Enzo Fernandez, who made Youri Tielemans look like the weak link. Kobbie Mainoo was United's bright spark, hitting the woodwork with a great strike. Bruno Fernandes was not at his influential best and was somewhat fortunate not to be punished for his part in the Foden incident.
Marcus Rashford also hit the woodwork and probably had the best game of United's front three, even if it made no meaningful difference. Matheus Cunha, the main striker, managed just three shots, none on target. Substitutes Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee both rated a six, but neither could turn the tide.
For City, the win was a demonstration of resilience. Foden's red card could have derailed them, but they defended their lead with a maturity that will please the manager. Haaland's goal, controversial or not, was enough. And on a day when United had the extra man for over an hour, that will sting.