Derby fury: City boss demands United captain's red card as VAR row erupts
Manchester City's narrow derby victory at Old Trafford has ignited a bitter war of words, with City manager Enzo Maresca insisting United captain Bruno Fernandes should have been sent off alongside Phil Foden, while United players and staff rage against a 'staggering' VAR decision that allowed the winning goal to stand.
Erling Haaland's first-half strike proved decisive, but the match will be remembered for Foden's 23rd-minute red card and the controversy surrounding the goal that followed. City, reduced to ten men, defended resolutely to secure a heroic win, yet the fallout has dominated the headlines.
What happened in the Manchester derby?
Foden was dismissed by referee Michael Oliver after lashing out at Fernandes, who had kicked the City midfielder. Maresca, while accepting the red card for his own player, argued that Fernandes deserved the same punishment for his role in the clash.
The Italian said: 'The decision can be a red card for Foden, but in the same action, it can be a red card for Bruno because he also kicks Phil.'
Maresca also defended the winning goal, which survived a VAR check for offside. 'The goal was right to stand. I spoke to the fourth official and he told me it was onside. But it was a fantastic win. It's great for spirit and togetherness.'
Why are United furious about the VAR decision?
United defender Lisandro Martinez was incensed, claiming City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was offside and interfering with play before Haaland scored. Martinez called the defeat an 'injustice' and questioned the consistency of officiating.
'He was offside. I went to [Enzo Fernandez] because he was there in front of me, and that's why Haaland was free [to score]. I want to be calm, I want to control myself but it's so hard. Every season they come to our club, they explain the rules for an hour and a half, and they look so confident. And then you have five or six people making this mistake. It's unacceptable because this is the best league in the world. And now we have to go home with this injustice.'
United boss Michael Carrick echoed those sentiments, expressing bewilderment at the interpretation of the offside rule.
Carrick said: 'I'm confused. We put things in place in the game now. We have people in offices with all the screens for this decision. It's more worrying if that's the interpretation of football now. If that's the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that's really worrying for me. It's a staggering explanation.'
What about the fan protests at Old Trafford?
Carrick also addressed the pre-match protests by United supporters, who are angry over season ticket prices and the club's direction. He expressed sympathy for their frustrations.
'I definitely appreciate the supporters. We want to make them happy - they are everything for this football club. I feel for them today,' he said.
What does this result mean for both clubs?
The victory strengthens City's title credentials and boosts morale after a difficult start. For United, the defeat raises questions about their resilience and the club's broader governance, with fan unrest simmering beneath the surface.
As the dust settles, the focus will shift to the FA's review of the match incidents. Whether Fernandes escapes punishment remains to be seen, but the war of words shows no sign of abating.