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Rio Ferdinand wades in on Man United offside controversy as 'deluded' VAR slammed

Manchester United player ratings vs Man City as two get 4/10 in derby day nightmare

Lisandro Martinez demands answers after VAR 'mistake' in Manchester United vs Man City

Michael Carrick gives sarcastic response over controversial decision in Man United vs Man City

POLL: Did VAR make a mistake in allowing Erling Haaland's goal vs Manchester United?

Michael Carrick should ask questions of Ineos after Manchester United nightmare vs Man City

Premier League explain controversial Man City goal vs Man United after offside decision made

Gary Neville 'lost' after Man United vs Man City offside decision raises eyebrows

Roy Keane left baffled by Man United warm-up for Man City derby

Roy Keane gives verdict on 'violent' Bruno Fernandes role in Phil Foden red card controversy

 

Rio Ferdinand wades in on Man United offside controversy as 'deluded' VAR slammed
Posted by  Bill   on   2026-09-13 @ 22:00:57 +0000

Rio Ferdinand made his feelings clear on the controversial Man City goal for Erling Haaland vs Man United

Rio Ferdinand has called VAR 'deluded' after the decision to allow Erling Haaland's winning goal to stand in the Manchester derby. The linesman had initially raised his flag to deny the visitors, with it appearing that Enzo Fernandez had interfered with play to spare Manchester United's blushes.

At first it was unclear why the goal was allowed to stand, as Haaland appeared offside when Josko Gvardiol delivered his cross into the box. Fernandez, who also seemed to go too early, made an attempt to reach the delivery with a diving header.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was positioned between Fernandez and Haaland, but officials ruled that the former Chelsea man had not interfered with play despite being in an offside position. It was later determined that Patrick Dorgu's outstretched foot was the decisive factor keeping Haaland onside.

To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

When sharing his thoughts on X, Ferdinand criticised VAR and suggested that Martínez should have done more by defending the player closest to goal - in this case, Haaland. Ferdinand wrote: "Martinez has to go defend the man nearest the goal whether he believes he's offside or not.

"In split seconds, you make the decision. He goes to defend Fernandez - who then attempts to play the ball. Deluded from VAR! Regardless - Utd never created enough chances once City went to 10 men."

Reds head coach Michael Carrick was also left fuming by the decision, stating post-match: "Confused, not even confused, we've put things in place to help referees' decisions, screens, referees in an office somewhere. It's more worrying about if that's the interpretation about football.

"If we've got people in place that are meant to understand the game of football or not interfering with play or impacting an attack, throwing your body at it with a defender next to him, it's really worrying for me, if that's how it's interpreted. It's a staggering decision. I can't understand it once I seen it then the explanation almost makes it worse.

Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

"Well, the explanation that he's not interfering with play. Incredible. It's not going to change a season, it's a major impact on the game and it's a massive game. It's a long season ahead, we've got to get back to winning football matches, that's on us, that (decision) wasn't on us today."

Enzo Maresca's City went on to win 1-0 despite being reduced to ten men, with Phil Foden sent off for a challenge on Bruno Fernandes in the first half. It was the Portuguese midfielder who initially appeared to swipe at Foden while the City man was on the floor.

Foden didn't react well, kicking out and catching Fernandes with both feet straight into the lower abdomen, sending the United captain to the turf.

 
Manchester United player ratings vs Man City as two get 4/10 in derby day nightmare
Posted by  Bill   on   2026-09-13 @ 21:00:54 +0000

Manchester United suffered a derby day defeat at Old Trafford

Manchester United suffered a derby day nightmare as 10-man Manchester City won at Old Trafford to continue Michael Carrick's difficult start to the season.

Phil Foden saw red midway through the first half after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes as both men tangled for the ball on the touchline, but United struggled to turn the numerical advantage into an attacking supremacy.

Their front line can lack a yard of pace and they became too predictable, paying the price when a defensive error allowed Erling Haaland to score in the second half.

To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

This is how the United players rated:

Senne Lammens: Good save from Fernandez and unlucky with the goal. Had slid onto his knee expecting Fernandez to head it, so was then out of position to save from Haaland. 6

Diogo Dalot: Was making his 250th appearance for the club but not one to remember fondly. Struggled badly against Semenyo, twice played his team into trouble and contributed little to the attack. 4

Harry Maguire: The sight of Maguire taking a pot-shot from 25 yards out in the first half was the sign that things were going wrong for United. 6

Lisandro Martinez: Saw a lot of the ball but passing wasn't always as crisp as it has been in recent weeks. A little slow to react to danger for the goal, letting Haaland drift off him. 5

Patrick Dorgu: Gets sucked up the pitch too easily as a left-back and left space for Foden to attack early on, then made a mess of it for City's goal. Have to question whether he can play left-back after this week. 4

Kobbie Mainoo: Unlucky not to score with a shot that hit the inside of the post and won possession back high up the pitch straight after that. Good again once he upped the tempo. 7

Youri Tielemans: Tenacious in the first half but a little guilty of not playing it quickly enough as United toiled against 10 men. No surprise to see him go off. 6

Bryan Mbeumo: Another guilty of taking on shots from distance when he should have passed. Didn't cause Gvardiol enough problems. 6

Bruno Fernandes: Played Haaland in on goal with a wayward pass early on but sucked Foden into his rush of blood to the head. Not one of his better games. 5

Marcus Rashford: His pace and direct running was the biggest threat to City but he couldn't find the end product and should have given Nunes a tougher time of it. 6

Matheus Cunha: Sat next to his centre-backs at one point trying to get the ball but guilty of doing too much. Took on a Hail Mary of a shot in the second half. 5

Substitutes

Benjamin Sesko: Watched from the bench and quickly joined the shoot-on-sight approach. 5

Joshua Zirkzee: Too late to make an impact. 6

Subs not used: Darlow, Mazraoui, Yoro, Heaven, Santos, Mount, Lacey

Tyrone Marshall is a senior football writer who reports on the game across the region, with particular expertise in Manchester United and Manchester City. A seasoned journalist, he began by covering Burnley during their time in the Premier League before joining the Manchester Evening News (MEN) in 2018. Since then, he has closely followed the fortunes of both United and City, delivering comprehensive coverage of two of the country’s biggest clubs.

Over the course of his career, Tyrone has reported from major domestic and European finals and travelled on multiple pre-season tours, providing on-the-ground insight and analysis. His work spans breaking news, in-depth features, match reports and opinion pieces, and he currently leads the MEN’s Manchester United coverage. Recognised for the quality of his reporting, Tyrone has received industry awards for his football journalism.

 
Lisandro Martinez demands answers after VAR 'mistake' in Manchester United vs Man City
Posted by  Bill   on   2026-09-13 @ 19:00:56 +0000

Lisandro Martinez was left fuming after Manchester United's defeat to Manchester City

Lisandro Martinez has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after Manchester City's controversial winner against Manchester United. City went down to ten men in the first half after Phil Foden kicked out at Bruno Fernandes.

However, it was the visitors who took the lead when Josko Gvardiol's cross was deflected into the path of Erling Haaland who scored. Initially, the flag went up to indicate that it was offside. However, VAR overruled the on-field decision as they ruled that Haaland was onside and that Enzo Fernandez did not touch the ball in the centre.

Martinez was the defender in the centre who was closest to both Fernandez and Haaland. Speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, he was left fuming with the officials. The Argentina international said: "I think it was offside. What I can't understand is the rules.

To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

"He was there. I went to him because he was there in front of me. That is why Haaland was free at the back.

"I want to be calm now, I want to control myself. It is so hard because you lose the derby, you lose three points at home.

"Every season they come to our club, explain for one hour, one hour 30 minutes the rules and they look so confident with that. Then after that, five, six people doing this kind of mistake in the Premier League. It's the best league in the world, you have the best teams in the world, the best players in the world.

"Now we have to go home with this injustice." He then continued: "It was difficult because I had two players and I was 50/50 so I had to take the first man.

"As simple as that. As simple as that. Let's see what they have to say now."

After the decision, the Premier League Match Centre wrote on X: "VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.

"The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball."

 
Michael Carrick gives sarcastic response over controversial decision in Man United vs Man City
Posted by  Bill   on   2026-09-13 @ 19:00:56 +0000

Michael Carrick was angry at the decision to allow Erling Haaland's goal

Michael Carrick was left furious at the decision to allow Manchester City's controversial derby day winner at Old Trafford, saying he "didn't get" the official's reason for giving Erling Haaland's goal.

Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to connect with a cross, distracting Lisandro Martinez and goalkeeper Senne Lammens. While Fernandez didn't touch the ball, it left Lammens out of position when Haaland's effort at the back post flew past him.

Carrick was staggered at the decision to give the goal, which had initially been ruled out for offside. Haaland was being played onside by Patrick Dorgu, but the controversy centred on Fernandez's role and whether he was interfering with play.

To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

"At the time I hadn't totally seen it. But the explanation I got was he wasn't interfering with play, so I just don't get it. I really don't get it," said Carrick.

"I can't understand how they're trying to help referees and putting so many layers behind them with so many people, so many bodies, so many screens, and so many whatever offices they are to try and come up with the right decisions.

"If that's how the rules are interpreted, that you're not interfering with play because you've thrown yourself at the ball six yards from goal and pretty much nearly touched it, which then Licha has to react from.

"On top of that, the line was a bit dubious where they drew the line to start with. It's worrying if that's really how the game's seen by those who are officiating it."

Carrick said he hadn't held any further discussions with referee Michael Oliver over the decision and gave short shrift to the idea of complaining to Pro Refs over why the goal was allowed.

"I don't know how you can. I don't know where you go. I don't really know how you go and get another explanation on that one, I have to say," he said.

Told Pro Refs sometimes apologise for decisions they get wrong, Carrick said: "Yeah, that'd be great, that. Yeah, I can't wait for that one."

 
POLL: Did VAR make a mistake in allowing Erling Haaland's goal vs Manchester United?
Posted by  Bill   on   2026-09-13 @ 18:30:45 +0000

Erling Haaland scores Manchester City's controversial winner vs Manchester United

Manchester City gained the bragging rights on Sunday afternoon as they beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford. While City deserved the win on the balance of play, there was plenty of controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's winner.

Just after the hour mark, Haaland scored as Josko Gvardiol's cross deflected into his path at the back post. Quickly, the assistant referee raised his flag to indicate that Haaland was offside.

However, VAR checked the decision and initially found that Haaland was in line with the ball when Gvardiol crossed it. The discussion then turned to Enzo Fernandez. He was definitely offside in the build-up.

To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

The former Chelsea man did not touch the ball, but did attempt a diving header to turn it goalwards. After a lengthy wait, the officials at Stockley Park advised that the initial decision of offside should be overturned, and the goal was given.

In the aftermath of the decision, the Premier League Match Centre explained why the goal was allowed. Their statement read: "VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.

"The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball." While that is the official decision, what do you think?

But do you think it was the correct call? Have your say below:

 
Michael Carrick should ask questions of Ineos after Manchester United nightmare vs Man City
Posted by  Bill   on   2026-09-13 @ 18:30:44 +0000

Manchester United failed to make their man advantage count on derby day

Eight months ago, everything Michael Carrick touched turned to gold. Bryan Mbeumo up front instead of Benjamin Sesko? Patrick Dorgu at left-wing? Both decisions were justified on a derby day to remember.

It is the lot of a head coach that your every call will be scrutinised and dissected. When they go well, as they did in his first game in charge back in January, you will be lauded. Sesko had scored three goals in two games before then, but nobody was crying out for the Slovenian as a slick Manchester United beat Manchester City.

It was the start of a run that landed Carrick the job on a permanent basis, but suddenly the scrutiny is back on the 45-year-old and the same two characters were arguably central to two calls that went wrong in a defeat that feels particularly damaging. A week ago he shot down the idea that United had had a disappointing start. There is no avoiding the reality now. The pressure is on.

It's not all down to Carrick. He would be right to call out Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, and their Ineos paymasters, of the failure to sign him a left-back this summer. While Manchester City act like one of the world's biggest football clubs, United are trying to rebuild on a budget.

To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

That will leave holes that can't be filled. While City could leave an £85million midfielder on the bench, United's back-up left-back is a winger. Dorgu shone under Carrick last season but he's now been on it this term and on the evidence of this week, he can't continue to fill in for Luke Shaw, who has confirmed the worst fears over his injury record before the first international break of the season.

Carrick does at least have options in attack. It felt inevitable that he would return to his false nine system here, despite Sesko's recent efforts. It was another move that backfired. Of United's first 15 shots, 10 of them were from outside the box and an xG tally of 0.54 showed how unlikely it was that any of them would get past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The Italian was finally forced into a good save in the 95th minute, when Bruno Fernandes found Bryan Mbeumo in space. It had taken too long for United to create a high-value chance and the predictable nature of their attack and the decision to go without a focal point backfired.

There is too much of a reliance on Fernandes to spark this side into life, but until that pass to Mbeumo, his biggest contribution had been teasing Phil Foden into seeing the red mist that earned him a red card.

But the game slowed down then and United were guilty. They controlled possession but the sight of Carrick waving his players forward as Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans dropped on top of the centre-backs showed that he felt the game was stagnating.

That is always the danger of playing against 10 men. They are keen to slow the tempo down and you can be sucked into playing the same kind of game. That was even more pressing for United, with Carrick again opting for a fluid front three.

There was no shortage of movement. Before the sending off, Matheus Cunha had dropped so deep he was getting the ball off Harry Maguire, while Marcus Rashford drifted across to the right to combine with Mbeumo, who also had a spell through the middle.

But it felt off the cuff and while that kind of freestyling can sometimes work, it's harder to do when the opposition have decided to sit deep and close the space between the lines. Rashford's pace became United's best weapon, but his final ball was off, aside from striking the outside of the post with a 25-yard free-kick.

The woodwork was starting to frustrate United. They couldn't punch a hole in the City defence from close range, but Mainoo tried his luck from a similar distance and this time hit the inside of the post.

Mainoo's influence was starting to grow in the second half. He immediately won the ball back inside the City half, then spun away superbly from Elliot Anderson, the man who started ahead of him in the England midfield this summer. The pirouette left Anderson on the deck and it should have left Thomas Tuchel, watching on from the directors' box, in a spin as well.

At that point, it had been half an hour since City had had a shot, but their sporadic attacks carried more threat and there was a vulnerability about United's defence that wasn't matched at the other end. Both of those issues came into play for Haaland's goal.

It had been a surprise to see Dorgu keep his place, having struggled defensively against Sabah, and his wayward defensive header sparked a City attack. Dorgu then ended up in a poor position, marooned on the right. Not only did he play Haaland onside, but the Norwegian had found the space the left-back had vacated.

The VAR review to confirm the goal took an age, and United were right to feel aggrieved that it was given. Enzo Fernandez had thrown his head at the ball in the centre, causing Senne Lammens to slide onto his knees expecting an effort at goal, so when the ball went through to Haaland, the United goalkeeper was out of position.

City now had even more reason to sit deep and United's efforts became increasingly desperate. Enzo Maresca danced on the touchline at the full-time whistle, while Carrick was left to stroke his chin in disbelief. He needs to find answers to the first major test of his Old Trafford reign.

 
Premier League explain controversial Man City goal vs Man United after offside decision made
Posted by  Bill   on   2026-09-13 @ 18:00:52 +0000

The Premier League's graphic showing the Erling Haaland onside decision

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) deemed that Patrick Dorgu played Erling Haaland onside and Enzo Fernandez hadn't interfered for Manchester City's opening goal against Manchester United.

Haaland powered home the opener at the back post from a cross but was initially deemed offside. Following a lengthy review from the VAR, it was found that neither Haaland was onside, nor was Fernandez, who was in an offside position, had played the ball with Lisandro Martinez defending behind him.

Josko Gvardiol's shot deflected towards the back post from Dorgu for the Norwegian, who finished well. The inquest surrounding the goal dragged on before the linesman's flag was overruled.

To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

A tweet from the Premier League Match Centre said: "#MUNMCI – 59’ VAR OVERTURN. VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.

"The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball."

An opponent who interferes with play will be penalised if they are clearly attempting to play a ball which close when this action impacts on an opponent or making an obvious action which impacts the ability of an opponent to play the ball.

Fernandez lunged towards the delivery with a diving header with Martinez behind him. But the goal stood following the intervention from the video assistant.

Former United defender Gary Neville felt that top-flight officials will be forced to admit an error as he believes Fernandez impacted his Argentinian countryman. He said: "The question is does Enzo Fernandez put off Lisandro Martinez?

"I think he does because he (Martinez) sort of hesitates. I do think when they look back, they'll recognise they got it wrong."

United had a man advantage when Phil Foden was sent off for an off-the-ball incident with Bruno Fernandes. However, they failed to take advantage of their best chance, falling to Bryan Mbeumo deep into stoppage time, but he was brilliantly denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Michael Carrick's side had twice struck the post when Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo rattled the woodwork in the first and second-half respectively.

But it was a disappointing afternoon for the hosts with Haaland's controversial effort proving to be the match-winning moment.

 
Gary Neville 'lost' after Man United vs Man City offside decision raises eyebrows
Posted by  Bill   on   2026-09-13 @ 17:30:46 +0000

VAR checked an offside decision after Erling Haaland scored for Manchester City against Manchester United

Gary Neville has been left bemused by the decision to allow Erling Haaland's goal against Manchester United despite the striker appearing offside. The linesman initially put his flag up to deny 10-man City, who saw Phil Foden sent off in the first half, but VAR reviewed the call and told Michael Oliver to give the goal.

While the decision was being looked at, Neville was baffled as all of the still images suggested Haaland was behind the last defender. He said on Sky Sports: "I'm going to need the offside law explaining to me, it's lost me."

After the goal was awarded, he said: "He's (Noel Gallagher) not looking back in anger anymore, it'll need an official to explain why it's not offside, it's to do with Enzo Fernandez's shot. The shots come in, he's offside... I don't know.

"Are they saying he's onside? That's the only thing I can think. What they're saying is, he's onside. We don't get the lines anymore. It'll be nice to see something That doesn't change anything, it's 1-0. We'll do an autopsy after."

It seemed unclear clear why the goal was allowed as Haaland appeared offside when Josko Gvardiol put his cross into the box. Enzo Fernandez, who also seemingly went too early, also made an attempt at the cross and therefore interfered with play.

VAR deemed that Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position, was not interfering with play meaning Erling Haaland's goal counted

On that incident, Neville said: "The question is does Enzo Fernandez put off Lisandro Martinez? I think he does because he sort of hesitates. I do think when they look back, they'll recognise they got it wrong."

Patrick Dorgu's outstretched foot appears to be the only thing that may have kept Haaland onside with Neville confirming that is why VAR gave the goal.

He said: "Well VAR looked at this for a long, long time. They say Haaland's onside from Dorgu's foot, from where we were didn't look the case but Dorgu's foot is deeper." The Premier League Match Centre on X confirmed that as the case in the wake of the decision.

Their post read: "#MUNMCI – 59’ VAR OVERTURN VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded. The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball."

City players later wheeled away in celebration after the decision was reversed having spent the majority of the game with a man disadvantage after Phil Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

The United captain appeared to kick Foden while he was on the floor but the City star's reaction got him dismissed for violent conduct. However, Roy Keane was of the opinion that Fernandes was the one who was violent.

He said: "Bruno tackles him, fouls him, gives him a little boot on the floor, reacts and he's now sent off. Bruno catches him, Foden sent off, I guess it's classed as violent and to me, Bruno is the one who violent.

"I have to call it out, called it with Kyle Walker a few years ago when he went down after a head butt, we see violent differently. I don't think that's a red card for Foden, I don't. 'Did the referee get given a chance?' Foden is daft here but so is Bruno.

"If Bruno got sent off, we'd be saying, 'it was a daft, a bit silly.' Everyone's in a union, you've got to look out for each other. We saw Walker a few years ago do it with a head butt, Bruno has got to do better there. It's a big game, you've got to look after the opposition players as well. Foden, I don't think it's a red card."

 
Roy Keane left baffled by Man United warm-up for Man City derby
Posted by  Bill   on   2026-09-13 @ 17:00:57 +0000

Manchester United players warm-up for the clash with Man City

Manchester United icon Roy Keane has taken aim at his old side's warm-up for Sunday's derby against Manchester City.

The United defenders were seen standing in their shape, defending passes unchallenged in the lead up to the showdown with their bitter cross-city rivals. Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Patrick Dorgu shuffled forward and backwards as they went through their paces.

Defenders up and down the football pyramid defend in a unit as part of the warm-up, heading high passes and low efforts into their feet. But the showing from United particularly irked Keane, who was left bemused by the display.

To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

He said: "I love these drills here, honestly it tickles me this. I'd like to think at his level they know where they are going to be moving. There's nobody challenging them, (Erling) Haaland's not running off the back of them.

"These are experienced, all these drills are well and good. I know players have routines etc, but Haaland is not in the middle of them running off the back of them."

Michael Carrick was managing in his first Manchester derby since taking permanent charge of United. Enzo Maresca was in a similar boat as he looked to maintain City's unbeaten start after the Italian replaced Pep Guardiola.

Luke Shaw was notable absentee after failing to recover from a knock, seeing Dorgu deputise in his position. The England international hadn't missed a single game last season but his setback forced Carrick into a decision.

It was a full-blooded start at Old Trafford and midway through the first-half, the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Phil Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out on Bruno Fernandes.

The Englishman appeared to drive two feet into the Portuguese's midriff and referee Michael Oliver showed no hesitation in brandishing a red card.

The Premier League Match Centre tweeted on X: "The referee’s call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR.

 
Roy Keane gives verdict on 'violent' Bruno Fernandes role in Phil Foden red card controversy
Posted by  Bill   on   2026-09-13 @ 17:00:57 +0000

Roy Keane has spoken about the incident that happened in the first half

Roy Keane argued that Bruno Fernandes was the one who committed the 'violent' offence on Phil Foden, yet it was the Manchester City star who ended up being sent off. Foden appeared to respond with a blow to Fernandes' stomach, while the Portuguese midfielder avoided a card despite seeming to kick Foden as he tried to win back possession.

Foden was later shown a straight red in the 23rd minute at Old Trafford after kicking out at the Manchester United captain. Replays, however, showed that Foden had initially been fouled by Fernandes near the far touchline, with the United midfielder seeming to swipe at the City forward as he sat on the turf.

Foden reacted badly to Fernandes' challenge and kicked back, catching him with both feet in the lower abdomen and sending the Portuguese midfielder to the ground. Referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation in showing Foden a straight red, leaving the City forward stunned, while Fernandes went unpunished despite appearing to kick the City man first.

To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

Speaking about the incident at half-time, Keane suggested Fernandes 'was the one who was violent' during the challenge. He told Sky Sports: "Do I have to? Bruno tackles him, fouls him, gives him a little boot on the floor, reacts and he's now sent off. Bruno catches him, Foden sent off, I guess it's classed as violent and to me, Bruno is the one who violent.

"I have to call it out, called it with Kyle Walker a few years ago when he went down after a head butt, we see violent differently. I don't think that's a red card for Foden, I don't. 'Did the referee get given a chance?'

"Foden is daft here but so is Bruno. If Bruno got sent off, we'd be saying, 'it was a daft, a bit silly.' Everyone's in a union, you've got to look out for each other. We saw Walker a few years ago do it with a head butt, Bruno has got to do better there. It's a big game, you've got to look after the opposition players as well. Foden, I don't think it's a red card."

However, Oliver did not deem the Portugal international's challenge worthy of a booking. Former United right‑back Gary Neville admitted he was surprised Fernandes wasn't at least shown a yellow card, though he felt the decision to send Foden off was correct.

Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

"I'm surprised Bruno didn't get a yellow, I don't think it's a red but he's got away with one," he told Sky sports. "He certainly pulled a reaction out of Foden which will help his teammates."

On the challenge, Neville added: "Well he's not having it Phil Foden, Bruno Fernandes has a bit of kick at him while he's on the ground and it look like he reacts. Is it a punch in the stomach? A kick in the stomach?

"The thing I thought he got wrong, that's a yellow card for Bruno Fernandes, that one you're not going to get away with. He's shocked Phil Foden but once he gets into the dressing room, he'll realise.

"He's kicked into the stomach. He's not going to get away with that. You can see why he's annoyed Foden, he thinks Bruno kicked at him while he's down. He then reacts badly. VAR described it as a kick with both feet into the stomach. I have reacted and sent off in a Manchester derby, it is a painful run down the tunnel."

City were reduced to 10 men in the 23rd minute, with Erling Haaland then scoring the opening goal on the hour mark.

There will be more to follow. We'll bring you the very latest updates on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit our Manchester City page. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @‌ManCityMEN - the MEN's City Twitter account - for all the latest football news as it happens in real-time.

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