10-man City stun United in derby as Haaland's VAR winner seals perfect start

Manchester City produced a resilient 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in the 199th Manchester derby, with Erling Haaland’s VAR-checked goal proving the difference despite Phil Foden’s red card after just 23 minutes. The win gives Enzo Maresca’s side a perfect four-from-four start to the Premier League season.

Foden was dismissed midway through the first half for reacting petulantly to Bruno Fernandes, leaving City to defend and counter with 10 men for the majority of the match. Despite the setback, midfielder Elliot Anderson revealed the winger was anything but downcast afterwards.

“Obviously, gutted to not play in the full game, but no, he was bouncing up and down in the changing room, as we all were,” Anderson said. “It made the game a lot harder and we’ve all came together and it shows real fighting and leadership from the lads.”

Haaland’s goal — his ninth in Manchester derby fixtures — makes him the leading Premier League scorer in this fixture. Anderson, named man of the match, was equally effusive about the collective effort required to hold on.

“There’s no doubt we have all the quality but we’re showing real mentality,” he said. “Not giving up, fighting, fighting for every tackle, every duel, and waiting for our chance, and obviously Erling scores.”

Anderson himself had been a transfer target for United before completing a £116 million move to City, where he had famously declared his new club the “kings of Manchester”. Asked about that comment after the final whistle, he smiled and said simply: “We are now.”

He had anticipated a hostile reception from the Old Trafford crowd for the remark but said the occasion passed without major incident. “I was just trying to let my football do the talking,” he said. “I think we came here and we played really well and, yeah, that’s all I can say.”

Anderson also praised deadline-day signing Enzo Fernandez, who partnered him in central midfield. “He’s very good. He shows real quality on the ball and knowing you’ve got someone alongside you who has got your back is a massive help.”

City’s victory, achieved with a man disadvantage for more than an hour, underlines the squad depth and defensive resilience Maresca has instilled in his first months in charge.