PL 2026/27: 3 talking points from an incident-packed Manchester Derby

Manchester City won the bragging rights in the 199th Manchester Derby as a controversial Erling Haaland goal proved to be the difference between the sides, giving new City manager Enzo Maresca his first derby win and stretching his side’s winning streak in the Premier League to four games.

The game was laced with talking points that will be spoken for a substantial amount of time. Haaland’s goal had a tangible amount of controversy, but not as much as the biggest incident in the first half, which saw Phil Foden being shown a straight red card for kicking Bruno Fernandes on his midriff in reaction to a bit of naughtiness from the latter, whose misgivings went unpunished.

However, City held on and ended up being the deserved victors, plunging United into further uncertainty early in the season. City are now joint top with 12 points, while United are in 13th place with four points in four games.

Here are three key talking points from a Manchester Derby that was full of incidents.

A game of two incidents

The derby was rife with talking points, with two major incidents taking centre stage. The first one was the Phil Foden red card. There was no doubt that it was a red, with Foden wildly reacting and kicking United captain Bruno Fernandes on the midriff. Referee Michael Oliver did not hesitate to show a straight red card, and VAR also agreed with the decision, adjudging it as violent conduct.

However, Fernandes was rather fortunate to get away with zero sanctions, as he appeared to have instigated the reaction with a rather subtle kick on Foden’s backside, though not with the same malice as the one he received a few seconds later. And while Maresca implored that the Portuguese should have received a red as well, if one’s being honest, he should at least have been given a yellow.

And then came the defining moment of the contest. Erling Haaland prodded home with a good finish from close range, only for his celebrations to be cut short by the offside flag from the linesman. However, VAR intervened to not only adjudge Haaland to be in an onside position, but also conclude that Enzo Fernández had no involvement in the play despite lunging for the ball in the six-yard box while coming back from an offside position, thereby letting the goal stand. 

The goal proved to be the point of difference between the sides, but even more drama was to unfold, as Pro Ref, the official governing body for referees in English professional football, issued a statement saying that the goal should not have stood because of Fernández’s involvement, calling the match referees’ decision an “error of judgement”.

Suffice it to say, these decisions will be talked about for a good while.

United’s inability to play against ten men resurfaces

This is the third time within the space of a year that Man United have lost a Premier League game against a side reduced to ten men: Everton, Newcastle United, and now Man City have managed to beat them despite going a man down.

Put simply, United still do not know how to play when they have the majority of the ball. Against City, their build-up was slow and ponderous, which allowed the visitors ample time to get back into shape and deprive them of the space for their transitions. To put it into context, from Foden being sent off in the 23rd minute till the 70th minute, United did not have a single shot on target.

This is turning out to be a problem in perpetuity, and the sooner United rectify it, the better.

Enzo Fernández’s all-action performance shows why Maresca wanted him

Enzo Fernández’ performance at Old Trafford was a stark vindication of Maresca’s desire for a reunion with his former Chelsea midfielder at the Etihad.

The Argentine was his typical combative self and was practically everywhere on the pitch. From covering ground, spraying passes, to sniffing out danger, Fernández did his job to perfection. He almost scored too, with his sumptuous shot from distance palmed by Senne Lammens onto the post. 

While he might have not scored, he was definitely the better Fernández on the field, having a much bigger impact than his opposite number and almost-namesake. It seems to be like a match made in heaven, and if he continues in the same vein, City may yet prove to be massive players in the title race.