Haaland goal sees 10-men City beat United in controversial Manchester derby

What the report says

Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on 13 September 2026, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal after City had already been reduced to 10 men. Al Jazeera, citing AFP, reported that Phil Foden was sent off in the first half for kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes, leaving City to play most of the match a man down.

The winner arrived around the hour mark when Haaland turned in a deflected cross from Josko Gvardiol. The goal was reviewed by VAR and stood after officials ruled Haaland onside and Fernandes not interfering with play. City also came close to adding a second, while United hit the woodwork through Marcus Rashford before halftime and Kobbie Mainoo after the break.

The result extends a perfect start for City under manager Enzo Maresca and was described by the report as an important statement after Pep Guardiola’s long and successful spell. For United, the defeat deepens a difficult league opening, with the club already trailing City and Arsenal early in the season. The match was played amid a tense atmosphere, including fan anger over ticketing issues at Old Trafford, which added to the usual rivalry between the two sides.