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SEN is temporarily unavailableDisputed Haaland goal wins derby for 10-man Man City
Simon Peach • September 14th, 2026 7:00 am
City's Erling Haaland poses in familiar fashion after scoring the winner in the Manchester derby | Photo: EPA
Erling Haaland has secured Manchester City a memorable 1-0 derby-day triumph as Manchester United failed to capitalise on Phil Foden's sending-off on a day of contentious decisions.
Old Trafford witnessed a pulsating 199th meeting of the Manchester rivals on Sunday (Monday NZT) as Enzo Maresca's new-look side won the first clash between the sides since Pep Guardiola's departure.
Much has changed at City this summer but Haaland remains a familiar foe, with the striker's ninth league goal against United taking him clear as top scorer in this fixture in the EPL era.
City's celebrity fan, rock star Noel Gallagher enjoyed watching their victory | Photo: EPA
The visitors had felt aggrieved when Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for petulantly reacting to a Bruno Fernandes kick, feeling the Portuguese had overreacted.
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo hit the woodwork but United could not make the most of their man advantage, with the VAR's decision to then overturn an initial offside call on Haaland's goal causing anger and confusion.
Gianluigi Donnarumma made a crucial stoppage-time save from Bryan Mbeumo to secure a dramatic win that Maresca celebrated by charging towards the City fans at full-time.
Sunday's painful defeat leaves United with just four points from their opening four matches and followed protests about the way the club is being run.
Erling Haaland slotting home the controversial winner at Old Trafford | Photo: EPA
The club's heavy-handed ticket touting investigation has angered fans, who displayed a sign above the tunnel that read "the way you treat us is a disgrace" as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Avram Glazer watched on.
All the talk, though, was about the 60th minute goal when Haaland turned in a cross at the far post which had been missed by his teammate Enzo Fernandez, who'd attempted a diving header but was unable to make contact.
At first, the goal was ruled out for offside, but after VAR review the onfield decision was overturned, sparking a roar of celebration from the away fans.
United's players were incensed by the decision, as Fernandez had definitely been offside when he made his attempt to score.
But the Premier League said the goal was allowed because, despite his dive, the Argentine did not get a touch before it reached Haaland at the far post.
However, United were unhappy because league rules state a player is interfering with play when "clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent."
Coventry players salute their fans who kept cheering despite their side being hammered | Photo: AP
Earlier on Sunday, newly promoted Coventry's nightmare start to the season continued with a 5-0 home hammering by Brighton which was only exacerbated by having striker Taiwo Awoniyi sent off in the 53rd minute for recklessly elbowing an opponent.
Four straight defeats leave Frank Lampard-managed Coventry rooted to the foot of the standings without a goal and a goal difference of minus 10.
Brighton led 1-0 at halftime through Charalampos Kostoulas before going on a scoring spree after the break with goals from Malick Yalcouye, Pascal Gross, Lewis Dunk and Yasin Ayari.
