Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca backed referee Michael Oliver's decision to send off Phil Foden in Sunday's 1-0 Manchester derby win against United. Maresca argued that United captain Bruno Fernandes should also have received a red card for appearing to kick Foden while he was on the ground. Erling Haaland's second-half goal, awarded after a VAR offside check, secured victory and kept City level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

City played with 10 men for over an hour following Foden's 25th-minute dismissal for kicking out at Fernandes. VAR did not review Fernandes' involvement. Maresca stated the action was a clear red card for Foden as a reaction, but said he could also see Fernandes kick Foden.

He added the game changed completely after the sending off, forcing City to drop deep and nullify United's transition threat. Haaland, working very well, may need rest after the World Cup. The win maintained City's 100 percent winning start to the season.