Maresca insists Fernandes deserved red card alongside Foden in 10-man City's derby win

Enzo Maresca has argued that Bruno Fernandes should have been sent off alongside Phil Foden during Manchester City’s 1-0 Premier League win at Old Trafford, insisting the same incident that produced Foden’s red card warranted punishment for the Manchester United captain too.

Foden was dismissed in the 23rd minute after lashing out at Fernandes with a wild kick, following a foul by the United skipper. Footage showed Fernandes appearing to aim a second kick at Foden’s back after the initial challenge — the act that provoked Foden’s reaction — yet Fernandes escaped without so much as a booking. VAR upheld referee Michael Oliver’s decision, with official Matt Donohue stating: “That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement.”

Maresca was pointed in his assessment of the officiating. “It can be a red card for Phil Foden, but I think in the same action it can be a red card for Bruno — in the same action,” the City manager said. “So, anyway… It is what it is. Red card for us. We won.”

The sentiment was echoed in the commentary box. Gary Neville said he was “surprised that Fernandes has got away without a booking”, while former United midfielder Roy Keane was more direct, saying the Portuguese captain “is the one who is violent here”.

Despite playing the majority of the match with ten men, City claimed all three points through Erling Haaland’s winning goal — itself a contentious decision on a dramatic afternoon. The victory keeps Maresca’s side second in the Premier League, with City and Arsenal the only clubs to carry a perfect record after four games.