Erling Haaland scored the only goal of the game as 10-man Manchester City held their nerve to beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
City were forced to play for more than an hour with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the first half. Despite United enjoying a significant numerical advantage and putting City under sustained pressure, the visitors defended resolutely before Haaland delivered the decisive moment in the 62nd minute.
United started brightly and looked dangerous from the flanks, but their hopes of controlling the derby received a major boost when Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes while the two players were on the ground. The decision was reviewed by VAR before the dismissal was confirmed.
United immediately pushed forward, with Marcus Rashford coming closest to breaking the deadlock before half-time when his free-kick struck the post. The hosts also created openings from wide areas, but City quickly reorganised and prevented United from turning their possession into clear chances.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with United expected to make their numerical advantage count. Instead, City found the breakthrough.
A move down the left eventually found Haaland at the far post, and the Norwegian striker finished from close range to put City ahead.
The goal was initially flagged for offside, but VAR overturned the decision after determining that the ball had taken a touch from a Manchester United player before reaching Haaland. The goal was therefore allowed to stand, despite frustration among the home supporters.
United continued searching for an equaliser, with Bruno Fernandes threatening and City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma making an important save to protect his side’s lead.
The hosts also had another effort hit the woodwork, but City remained compact and disciplined as United committed more players forward in the closing stages.
Despite being a man down for most of the match, Pep Guardiola’s side refused to lose their shape. Their defensive organisation allowed them to absorb United’s pressure and protect the narrow advantage until the final whistle.
For United, the defeat represented a major missed opportunity. They had the numerical advantage, created dangerous moments and twice hit the woodwork, but failed to find the finish that would have turned their pressure into points.
For City, the victory was a display of resilience and tactical discipline, with Haaland once again proving decisive when his team needed him most. His 62nd-minute finish was enough to settle the Manchester derby and give City a memorable victory at Old Trafford.
