EPL: Haaland Winner Seals Victory for 10-Man City in Controversial Manchester Derby

Erling Haaland scored a controversial second-half winner as 10-man Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1–0 in a dramatic Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.

City played the entire second half with 10 men after Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute, but Manchester United failed to take advantage of their numerical superiority.

The derby was evenly contested in the opening stages before the game’s dynamics changed following Foden’s dismissal. The England international was sent off after kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes in retaliation to a tackle, with his boot making contact with Fernandes’ stomach.

United subsequently took control of the game and came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions. Marcus Rashford struck the post with a 20-yard free-kick, while Kobbie Mainoo also hit the woodwork with a long-range effort. Diogo Dalot also came close as United pressed for an opener.

However, it was City who eventually found the breakthrough in the 60th minute.

Haaland reacted quickest at the back post to slot home from a deflected cross and put the visitors ahead. The goal was initially ruled out for offside by referee Michael Oliver, but after more than four minutes of VAR review, the decision was overturned and the goal awarded.

The strike was Haaland’s ninth Premier League goal against Manchester United in just eight appearances.

The victory marked City’s first Manchester derby win at Old Trafford since October 2023 and extended their record of Premier League victories at the venue to 10.

The result also maintained Manchester City’s perfect start to the season, with four wins from four matches. They have 12 points and remain joint-top of the Premier League alongside Arsenal.

Meanwhile, in another Premier League fixture, Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi received the first red card of his Premier League career as Coventry City suffered a heavy 5–0 defeat to Brighton.

Awoniyi was sent off in the 53rd minute after being deemed to have caught Maxim De Cuyper in the face with his elbow during an aerial challenge. He became the first Nigerian player to receive a straight red card in the Premier League in five years.