Haaland’s VAR Goal Gives 10-Man Man City Derby Win at Old Trafford
Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford after surviving nearly 70 minutes with 10 men, as Erling Haaland’s VAR-awarded second-half strike settled the 199th Manchester derby.
Derby data
| Item | Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | Manchester United 0-1 Manchester City | Haaland scored the winner |
| Red card | 23rd minute | Phil Foden dismissed for kicking Bruno Fernandes |
| Winning goal | 60th minute | Haaland goal overturned an initial offside flag after VAR review |
City coach Enzo Maresca celebrated his first derby victory at full time, sprinting towards the travelling support after his side held firm through a long and difficult closing spell.
Foden was sent off after lashing out at United captain Fernandes. The City midfielder caught Fernandes in the stomach, but the incident followed Fernandes appearing to kick Foden twice while he was on the turf. Fernandes received no punishment, despite the challenge becoming a major point of contention.
United could not turn their extra man into sustained danger. Marcus Rashford struck the post with a free kick before the break, while Kobbie Mainoo later hit the woodwork from range. Their clearest opening inside the City area arrived in the 95th minute, but Gianluigi Donnarumma reacted sharply to keep out Bryan Mbeumo.
Haaland’s decisive finish initially appeared to have been ruled out for offside. After an extended VAR check, however, the goal stood after Patrick Dorgu’s touch from Josko Gvardiol’s delivery was judged to have played the Norwegian onside.
The ruling also centred on City’s Enzo Fernández, who was contesting the ball with Lisandro Martínez near the six-yard box. United’s view was that Fernández had interfered with Martínez’s ability to reach the ball, but the officials allowed play to continue and Haaland’s goal remained.
Maresca’s 10-man plan pays off
City were briefly pinned back after half-time but Maresca resisted dropping his side into a deep defensive block. Ndiaye replaced Cherki at the interval, with City keeping their wide players advanced to create an outlet and relieve pressure.
Ndiaye made a strong impact, while Haaland used his strength to link attacks and occupy United’s defenders. Fernández covered ground at both ends before leaving late with a bloodied nose.
Marc Guéhi and Rúben Dias largely kept United in front of them, and the home side struggled to find runs behind the City defence. Benjamin Sesko entered in the 67th minute, but United did not create crosses for the striker to attack.
United positives despite defeat
Rashford and Mainoo were among United’s brighter performers even in defeat. Mainoo, who was England’s only unused player at the World Cup, competed well in midfield against Fernández and Anderson and again showed his value in possession.
The expected arrival of Carlos Baleba could give Michael Carrick a more complete midfield mix, with Mainoo’s ball-playing ability adding a different quality.
Rashford, back at United after hoping his Barcelona loan would become permanent, has been the team’s strongest attacking performer this season despite still waiting for a goal to reignite his Old Trafford career.
England manager Thomas Tuchel watched from the stands as City took the points. Next, United must find a sharper attacking response, while Maresca’s side will look to build on a derby win secured through resilience and one huge VAR call.
