Manchester City’s controversial derby winner against Manchester United on Sunday should not have stood, refereeing body Pro Ref has confirmed.
Erling Haaland’s goal on the hour-mark earned the 10-man visitors a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford after Phil Foden was sent off early in the first half of the Premier League clash.
Enzo Fernandez, however, was in an offside position and appeared to interfere with play by making an lunge to latch onto the ball.
Officials said the fact Fernandez did not get a touch on the ball meant the goal was allowed to stand, something which challenging defender Lisandro Martinez branded an “injustice”.
Mere hours after the conclusion of the game, though, Pro Ref admitted an “error of judgement” in awarding the goal.
“On this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review,” a statement said.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”
Relive all the drama below
Manchester derby – latest updates
- 10-man Man City hold on for a 1-0 win in the Manchester derby after controversial Haaland goal
- 'Error of judgement' to allow Haaland's winner, admits Pro Ref
- United fans protested against season ticket ‘fiasco’ ahead of derby
- Report: Why Michael Carrick can’t just blame VAR for Man Utd’s dismal derby failure
- 60' GOAL! Haaland strike given by VAR amid huge confusion over offside [MNU 0-1 MNC]
- 23' RED CARD! Foden sent off for kicking Fernandes in the stomach [MNU 0-0 MNC]
Pro Ref admits 'error of judgement' to award Haaland's goal
08:30 , Mike Jones
We pick up today with the news that the Premier League’s refereeing body Pro Ref have released a statement admitting there was an ‘error of judgement’ in the decision to award Erling Haaland’s winning goal at Old Trafford.
City’s 1-0 victory over their rivals was a superb result having gone down to 10-men and it was a VAR intervention that overturned an on-field offside call to award Haaland his goal.
The semi-automated offside technology showed the forward was onside having been behind the outstretched foot of Patrick Dorgu but the VAR did not take into account the impact of Enzo Fernandez (who was offside) on defender Lisandro Martinez.
In a statement yesterday, Pro Ref said: "It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective.
"However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
"Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place."
Why Michael Carrick can’t just blame VAR for Man Utd’s dismal derby failure
08:00 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Manchester City have had some famous victories at Old Trafford in the last 15 years and if this scoreline was the least spectacular, the circumstances mean it may become among the most celebrated.
A man down for more than 70 minutes, stoppage time included, in their first derby since Pep Guardiola’s departure, shorn of a sent-off specialist in scoring against Manchester United, they instead conjured a victory built on brilliant defending, fashioned by big-money signings and sealed, with a certain inevitability, by Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian adopted his trademark meditative pose after his winner was contentiously awarded. He certainly gave United much to think about. This was a thoroughly chastening occasion for them. Gifted an advantage by Phil Foden, with a red card of senseless stupidity, they squandered it with their inability to break City down.
Why Michael Carrick can’t just blame VAR for Man Utd’s dismal derby failure
The hidden issue behind Manchester United’s poor start to the season
07:00 , Chris Wilson at Old Trafford
As the fans disappeared from Old Trafford, so did plenty of optimism for the upcoming season. With just four points from the opening four games, it’s beginning to look like the same old story once again for Manchester United.
The nature of a derby game means that sometimes a team can’t learn many lessons, whatever the result. Unfortunately for Michael Carrick, that was not the case today as his side delivered a dismal performance to lose 1-0 to 10-man Manchester City.
United were on the end of a controversial VAR decision as Erling Haaland gave his side a memorable win at Old Trafford, but while the refereeing will dominate the headlines in the immediate aftermath, it was a poor outing from the hosts.
Much has been made of the defensive frailties in Michael Carrick’s side, and that was evident again as Haaland snuck in to steer his side into the lead on the hour mark. It was a poor goal to concede, but it threatens to mask the other glaring issue in this United side – an incoherent and under-performing attack.
The hidden issue behind Manchester United’s poor start to the season
Why was Erling Haaland’s goal against Manchester United allowed to stand?
06:00 , Will Castle
The Premier League Match Centre has given an explanation on why Erling Haaland’s winner was allowed to stand.
A 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.”
Jamie Braidwood brings you more:
Why was Erling Haaland’s goal against Manchester United allowed to stand?
Man Utd boss Michael Carrick blasts ‘staggering’ decision to allow Erling Haaland’s goal to stand
05:00 , Will Castle
Michael Carrick complained about a “staggering” explanation of why Erling Haaland’s winner in the Manchester derby was allowed by VAR as he said it was worrying for football.
Carrick said: “If that's the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that's really worrying for me. It's a staggering explanation.
“I just don't get it. I really don't get it. 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 Leif 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 blasts ‘staggering’ decision to allow Haaland’s goal to stand
Maresca: 'Happy Erling, happy life'
04:00 , Will Castle
"They [players] can always be better and better there is always room to improve," said Enzo Maresca.
"Erling is working very good and we need to give him rest at some point after the World Cup he cannot continue the same way all season.
"He is happy you can see and as much as we keep Erling we are all happy - as you say in English, happy wife, happy life.
"Happy Erling, happy life."
Wayne Rooney: United are 'all a bit toothless'
03:00 , Will Castle
Speaking to BBC Sport, Wayne Rooney said: “I thought Manchester United were the better team and dominated City up until half-time, but they gave away too many free-kicks and allowed the game to be slowed down which suited City perfectly. Once City got their goal they managed the game brilliantly and United just couldn’t find enough quality, especially in the final third.
“Haaland’s goal should not have stood, it was offside, but as soon as City went ahead they used all their nous and game management to frustrate United. They restricted them to pretty much one chance and didn’t look in any danger at all.
“United are already eight points behind City and Michael Carrick will be disappointed how they’ve started no doubt about that. There have been some good moments but one win from four league matches tells its own story.
“When the transfer window closed I felt United still needed better players, to not only to provide competition for places and cover across all competitions, but to come on in games and provide that extra quality and change games. You were just waiting for someone to be brought on and make an impact today, but you looked at the bench and there weren’t many attacking threats to call on. It was all a bit toothless.”
Enzo Maresca claims Bruno Fernandes deserved to be sent off alongside Phil Foden in derby win
02:00 , Will Castle
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca believes Bruno Fernandes should have been sent off alongside Phil Foden in the first half of his side’s 1-0 win in the Manchester derby.
“It can be a red card [for Phil Foden], but I think in the same action it can be a red card for Bruno [Fernandes], in the same action,” explained the City manager. “So, anyway... It is what it is. Red card for us. We won,” he added.
Enzo Maresca claims Fernandes deserved to be sent off alongside Foden in derby win
Gary Neville says Manchester United should expect ‘apology’ over Erling Haaland’s derby winner
01:00 , Will Castle
Gary Neville has claimed that Manchester United can expect “an apology” from Pro Ref after Erling Haaland’s controversial winner in the Manchester derby.
Citing the wording of what constitutes offside in the rules, he said: “They're the words that I think – emphatically – means we will see an apology from Pro Ref," said Neville referring to the wording of the offside rule.
"There is no doubt that Enzo is attempting to play the ball and putting Lisandro Martinez off. It’s a really strange one. They’ll recognise they got that wrong.”
Gary Neville claims Man Utd will receive ‘apology’ over Haaland goal
More from Haaland
00:00 , Will Castle
"This hasn't really happened a lot in my lifetime that we go down to 10 men, so it's a kind of new experience to win with 10 men. It's amazing. I have to be honest,” Erling Haaland told Sky Sports.
"We had to lay low, which is not ideal. We like to keep the ball, we like to try to score goals, but these times, you have to go a bit lower and take your chances when it's possible. We managed to do that well.
"This shows personality, character to keep the ball away at Old Trafford, with 10 men. That is personality."
Speaking on what had to change after Fernandez’s red card: "We had to change the plan a bit, but Enzo gave us a plan where we could play to our different strengths and counter-attack a bit more.
"For me personally, I just had to be there, to try to wait for a chance, and if there's a chance, I had to be ready to execute.
"We also needed fighters in the team, which we have plenty of. Look at our midfield - it's something they like to do!
"I'm so, so proud of everyone.
"Even with 10 men, we're still a good team and we showed that today. I think we even became sharper with 10 men.
"That's how we have to play all the time, even with 11 men."
Stat attack
23:30 , Will Castle
10 - Manchester City are the first visiting team to win 10 times at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 13, 2026
10 - Manchester City
8 - Liverpool
6 - Arsenal, Chelsea
Dreamers. pic.twitter.com/O8aPGSrpRm
9 - Erling Haaland is now the top scorer in Premier League games between Manchester City and Manchester United:
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 13, 2026
9 - Haaland (8 apps)
8 - Agüero (13 apps)
8 - Rooney (21 apps)
Domination. pic.twitter.com/EBiifV12st
2 - 50 teams have received a red card as the visiting team at Old Trafford in the Premier League, but only two have won: Everton in November 2025 and Manchester City today, with Iliman Ndiaye on the winning side both times.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 13, 2026
Charm. pic.twitter.com/CgNerI1iAY
2 - Phil Foden is only the second Manchester City player to be sent off against Manchester United in the Premier League, and first since Bernardo Corradi in 2006.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 13, 2026
Game-changer. pic.twitter.com/AElHnuca1a
WATCH: Noel Gallagher celebrates Haaland's controversial winner
23:00 , Will Castle
'He's not looking back in anger anymore!'
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2026
Noel Gallagher was loving Erling Haaland's goal against Manchester United 🩵 pic.twitter.com/INJ1z2jLJ1
Earlier in the Premier League: Brighton thrash ten-man Coventry as Sky Blues remain pointless and goalless
22:30 , Will Castle
In the early Sunday kick-off, Brighton inflicted a severe 5-0 defeat on 10-man Coventry, handing the home side their fourth consecutive loss in the Premier League.
Coventry remain the sole team in the division yet to register a single point this season, having failed to score a goal throughout this four-match losing streak.
Brighton thrash ten-man Coventry as Sky Blues remain pointless and goalless
Earlier: Man United fans protest against season ticket ‘fiasco’ ahead of derby
22:00 , Will Castle
Manchester United fans have protested against the club’s ownership ahead of the Manchester derby in response to the season ticketing “fiasco” that resulted in 685 ticket bans.
The club recently announced the season ticket bans after a length investigation into ticket touting, with the manner of the investigation criticised by fans. Another 464 supporters received a final warning or a reduced sanction, with a total of 1,617 accounts identified as requiring further investigation and action.
Ahead of the Premier League match against Manchester City, fans gathered by the Bishops Blaize pub near Old Trafford to protest both the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with chants directed at both parties.
Man United fans protest against season ticket ‘fiasco’ ahead of derby
BREAKING: ‘Error of judgement’ to allow Erling Haaland’s Manchester derby winner
21:36 , Will Castle
Manchester City’s controversial derby winner against Manchester United on Sunday should not have stood, refereeing body Pro Ref has confirmed.
A Pro Ref spokesperson said: “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.
“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.
“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”
‘Error of judgement’ to allow Erling Haaland’s Manchester derby winner
The hidden issue behind Manchester United’s poor start to the season
21:20 , Chris Wilson at Old Trafford
As the fans disappeared from Old Trafford, so did plenty of optimism for the upcoming season. With just four points from the opening four games, it’s beginning to look like the same old story once again for Manchester United.
The nature of a derby game means that sometimes a team can’t learn many lessons, whatever the result. Unfortunately for Michael Carrick, that was not the case today as his side delivered a dismal performance to lose 1-0 to 10-man Manchester City.
United were on the end of a controversial VAR decision as Erling Haaland gave his side a memorable win at Old Trafford, but while the refereeing will dominate the headlines in the immediate aftermath, it was a poor outing from the hosts.
Much has been made of the defensive frailties in Michael Carrick’s side, and that was evident again as Haaland snuck in to steer his side into the lead on the hour mark. It was a poor goal to concede, but it threatens to mask the other glaring issue in this United side – an incoherent and under-performing attack.
The hidden issue behind Manchester United’s poor start to the season
Pundits blast 'complacent' United
21:00 , Will Castle
“Man United were poor today and City had the extra man,” said Micah Richards.
“I thought Haaland reacted when he needed to. Guehi at the back was outstanding. Anderson could be more disciplined because they had a man less.”
Gary Neville added: “Carrick will be so disappointed with how his team adjusted after Foden got sent off, they just became complacent. Whereas City have played brilliantly.”
Roy Keane said: “I thought United must have thought lets go through the motions. Defensively City were outstanding. It's a huge setback for United, its a huge lift for City but a big set back for United.”
REPORT: Why Michael Carrick can’t just blame VAR for Man Utd’s dismal derby failure
20:40 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Manchester City have had some famous victories at Old Trafford in the last 15 years and if this scoreline was the least spectacular, the circumstances mean it may become among the most celebrated.
A man down for more than 70 minutes, stoppage time included, in their first derby since Pep Guardiola’s departure, shorn of a sent-off specialist in scoring against Manchester United, they instead conjured a victory built on brilliant defending, fashioned by big-money signings and sealed, with a certain inevitability, by Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian adopted his trademark meditative pose after his winner was contentiously awarded. He certainly gave United much to think about. This was a thoroughly chastening occasion for them. Gifted an advantage by Phil Foden, with a red card of senseless stupidity, they squandered it with their inability to break City down.
Why Michael Carrick can’t just blame VAR for Man Utd’s dismal derby failure
More pundit reaction to Haaland goal
20:20 , Will Castle
At the time of the goal, Gary Neville said: "The officials will be nervous about this goal.
"When they look back on this, they will recognise they got this wrong.
"The question is does Fernandez, who is offside, stop Martinez getting the ball? He does."
After the match, Micah Richards added: "They have got it so wrong. But don't let that take away from City's performance."
Roy Keane meanwhile said that United were “punished for holding a good line”.
Anderson says win tastes sweeter in context of Foden red
20:00 , Will Castle
"We always knew it was going to be a tough game,” Elliot Anderson told Sky Sports.
“What happened with Phil at the start wasn't good for us, but we said at half-time it would make us feel better if we win and we've taken three points.
"It just gives you more motivation to go on and get the points. It was really tough for us. We had to run more and fight more. We all shone, to a man, and we were brilliant."
Carrick reacts to 'staggering' offside decision
19:45 , Will Castle
"I'm confused,” he told Sky Sports.
“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 about 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.
"The decision isn't going to change the season, but it's had a major impact on the game. That decision wasn't on us today. It's up to us to create and score after that. We had moments. Of course it's up to us to do that, but big moments in games like that have a big impact.
"We did a lot of things well, it looked like we were growing well into the game. We looked dangerous. We'll take the positives from the game today and move on well, but we're not moving on lightly.
"We could have created more. That's an answer for us, but we could have. That's our second defeat now, since I've been in charge, but we're a good team and we'll get back to wining ways.”
Haaland: I took it personally when the ref thought I was offside
19:30 , Will Castle
Erling Haaland told Sky Sports: "I thought there was maybe someone who flicked it because I normally don't go offside, so I told Michael Oliver I took it a bit personally that he thought I was offside!
"But I looked over to the gaffer and he gave me a thumbs up and I knew then it was a goal, so I prepared myself to go and celebrate.
"It's always nice to win football games and I never take that for granted but, especially with 10 men at Old Trafford, it's a difficult task. It's so nice."
Martinez: 'I can't understand the rules'
19:15 , Will Castle
"I think [Fernandez] was offside,” Lisandro Martinez told Sky Sports. “What I can’t understand is the rules.
"He was there! I went to him because he was in front of me. That’s why Haaland was free at the back.
"I want to be calm but it is so hard. Every season the officials come to our club and spend an hour explaining the rules and they look so confident with that.
"Then after, five or six people (officials) doing this kind of mistake in the Premier League is unacceptable.
"We have to go home with this injustice.”
Gary Neville: Man Utd can expect an apology from Pro Ref
19:00 , Will Castle
Reacting to the wording of the offside rule, Neville said: "They're the words that I think – emphatically – means we will see an apology from Pro Ref.
"There is no doubt that Enzo is attempting to play the ball and putting Lisandro Martinez off.
"It’s a really strange one. They’ll recognise they got that wrong."
Man United v Man City player ratings from highly controversial Manchester derby
18:50 , Jamie Braidwood
So much to unpack from that derby - but how did the players rate at Old Trafford?
Jamie Braidwood gives you his verdict:
Man United v Man City player ratings from hugely contentious Manchester derby
What does the offside rule say?
18:40 , Will Castle
A player is offside when interfering with an opponent by:
- Preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or
- Challenging an opponent for the ball or
- Clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or
- Making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball
Enzo Fernandez very much appeared to make a clear attempt to play the ball.
Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2026
Why was Erling Haaland’s goal against Manchester United allowed to stand?
18:32 , Will Castle
The Premier League Match Centre has given an explanation on why Erling Haaland’s winner was allowed to stand.
A 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.”
Jamie Braidwood brings you more:
Why was Erling Haaland’s goal against Manchester United allowed to stand?
Controversy or not, United were so poor
18:28 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
That could have been a horrible day for Manchester City. It turned into a brilliant one. Manchester United were so poor they can scarcely complain about the VAR decision about the goal (though presumably they will).
FULL-TIME! Man United 0-1 Man City
18:24 , Will Castle
A huge derby win for Manchester City, filled with controversy.
With 10 men for over an hour, City have eked out a truly remarkable result. There will be a serious inquest into how Erling Haaland’s winner was allowed to stand, but Enzo Maresca’s side won’t care.
Bragging rights are theirs.
Man United 0-1 Man City
18:23 , Will Castle
90+5 mins: SAVE! THAT WAS THE MOMENT!
Bryan Mbeumo is played into the box and his first touch is perfect, but his shot is just too close to Gianluigi Donnarumma, who nevertheless is required to make a SUPERB save to deny United an equaliser.
That’ll be that.
Man United 0-1 Man City
18:22 , Will Castle
90+4 mins: Lisandro Martinez lumps it up towards Benjamin Sesko, but it’s just too high for the Slovenian.
Gianluigi Donnarumma eats up a few more seconds before picking the ball up.
Man United 0-1 Man City
18:21 , Will Castle
90+3 mins: Diogo Dalot looks to whip in a cross from the right with United running out of ideas, but the ball is poor. It flies over everyone and out for a City throw on the other side.
Man United 0-1 Man City
18:19 , Will Castle
90+1 mins: Iliman Ndiaye wins a foul out of Patrick Dorgu on the edge of his own box. He’s had a lively cameo.
FIVE minutes added on. Harry Maguire is absolutely fuming with that - he’s telling Michael Oliver that the VAR check for Erling Haaland’s goal lasted three minutes alone.
Man United 0-1 Man City
18:17 , Will Castle
89 mins: City are working it around the United final third nicely, but that comes to an end when Michael Oliver gets in the way, necessitating a drop ball.
City have defended very well
18:15 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
City still have quite a bit to do to see this out and keep a clean sheet but so far they have defended very well. Matheus Nunes has had a fine game and he felt a bit of a surprise selection, with some expecting Khusanov to start at right-back.
Man United 0-1 Man City
18:14 , Will Castle
86 mins: CLOSE! Harry Maguire gets up for the header but nods just wide! Agonising for the hosts, who are running out of time.
Man United 0-1 Man City
18:13 , Will Castle
85 mins: Bryan Mbeumo’s pass is intercepted by Iliman Ndiaye who is sprinting towards the halfway line with just one man to beat - but that man is Lisandro Martinez, who gets a vital challenge in.
Man United 0-1 Man City
18:11 , Will Castle
82 mins: Smart decision from Enzo Maresca - he’s bringing off Enzo Fernandez, who was acting like he could easily take City down to nine.
Nico O’Reilly is on as the City fans sing “in your head, in your head” regarding Fernandez, to quote a popular Cranberries song.
Man United 0-1 Man City
18:09 , Will Castle
80 mins: It’s taken a while, but we’ve got our first yellow cards of the game. In fact, we’ve got three.
Josko Gvardiol is first booked for delaying the restart. Then, as the ball goes up the other end, Harry Maguire and Enzo Fernandez get into it with each other.
Fernandez is shoved to the ground by Maguire and is milking it beyond belief. Both are booked.
Enzo is an expensive irritant - but he's a good player
18:07 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
Enzo Fernandez may be (well, is) an irritant but, so far, he has had a rather good game. City and United both bought new midfields this summer. City paid a lot more. This isn't saying the prices were justified but the early evidence is that, unsurprisingly, they got better players.
Man United 0-1 Man City
18:04 , Will Castle
76 mins: CLOSE! It’s flashed low and hard across goal and Erling Haaland meets it, only to see his diversion fly just wide of the post!
Nearly a second for Haaland - there would have been less debate over that one.
Man United 0-1 Man City
18:03 , Will Castle
75 mins: Enzo Fernandez goes down like he’s been shot from a light brush of the forearm by Kobbie Mainoo. Man City have a free-kick in a dangerous position...
WATCH: Was Erling Haaland onside?
17:59 , Will Castle
And if Haaland was onside... was Enzo Fernandez (who was definitely off) disrupting play for Lisandro Martinez?
Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2026
Man United 0-1 Man City
17:58 , Will Castle
70 mins: Now it’s the turn of the other Fernandez/Fernandes to have a crack from range.
Bruno hits it true and Gianluigi Donnarumma admittedly flaps at it, but he gets the all-important block to deny the United captain.
That was United’s first shot on target since Phil Foden was sent off. Safe to say they haven’t taken advantage of their extra man.
Man United 0-1 Man City
17:57 , Will Castle
69 mins: OFF THE POST! So nearly a second for City!
Enzo Fernandez tries to just pass it into the bottom-right corner but Senne Lammens gets down to get a crucial touch and push the ball onto the woodwork.
Man United 0-1 Man City
17:56 , Will Castle
67 mins: So, we’ve now seen VAR’s offside replays and it reveals Patrick Dorgu’s foot was playing Erling Haaland onside. It sure didn’t look like that from the original replays, but that’s why the goal has stood.
Anyway, United have made a change. Benjamin Sesko is on for Youri Tielemans.
Haaland moving towards another record
17:54 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
A ninth Manchester derby goal for Haaland. This could be another record he ends up possessing.
GOAL GIVEN! Man United 0-1 Man City (Haaland, 60')
17:51 , Will Castle
Wow. THE GOAL IS GIVEN!
We are all very confused. Gary Neville says he needs the offside rule explained to him.
Erling Haaland looks in an offside position, like night and day. Is it to do with Dorgu’s touch? Enzo flinging himself at the ball? We don’t know. But it’s 1-0.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:49 , Will Castle
62 mins: The VAR is saying that Erling Haaland is in an ONSIDE position. We are still waiting for confirmation of the goal.
NO GOAL! Man United 0-0 Man City
17:49 , Will Castle
60 mins: Erling Haaland has the ball in the net... but the flag goes up!
It all starts with an error from Patrick Dorgu that is pounced on by Iliman Ndiaye, who works it out wide to Antoine Semenyo.
Josko Gvardiol eventually fires the ball across the box with Haaland converting well - but he looks to have gone a tad early.
However... there’s a VAR check going on. And it’s lengthy.
Time for Sesko?
17:45 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
Much more intent from United after the break. Perhaps Carrick, in his mild-mannered way, has galvanised them. A personal view is that they could do with an actual centre-forward on, in Sesko.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:44 , Will Castle
55 mins: Matheus Cunha beats two men to get into the box but aims for the top corner from a tight angle rather than pass. Always going to be difficult to score that.
The atmosphere has gone up a gear inside Old Trafford.
Mancunian madness
17:41 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
One Mancunian has been sent off. Two more have hit the woodwork.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:40 , Will Castle
51 mins: OFF THE POST! Another woodwork strike from Man United!
Kobbie Mainoo lets fly from the edge of the box and it beats Gianluigi Donnarumma, only to hit the left post and bounce dangerously into the back of the City goalkeeper.
Luckily for Donnarumma, the ball goes dead instead of bouncing into his own net and he gathers, a relieved man.
United then come again through Marcus Rashford who fires into the side-netting.
That’s injected some venom into this game.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:37 , Will Castle
50 mins: Dangerous free-kick delivery from Enzo Fernandez is met by Ruben Dias, and his header in the box is deflected for a corner. He has that look that had it not taken a nick off a United head, that might have been going goalwards.
Nothing comes from the resulting set piece.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:35 , Will Castle
47 mins: Marcus Rashford tries to create something in the box as his pacy delivery is deflected into the path of Diogo Dalot. His effort flies over.
BACK UNDERWAY! Man United 0-0 Man City
17:33 , Will Castle
And we’re off again.
One change for City - Iliman Ndiaye is on for Rayan Cherki.
The game kicks off with Michael Carrick doing an interview with Sky Sports while walking to his technical area. Odd.
He says he didn’t see what happened with Phil Foden’s red card.
WATCH: Foden sent off for kicking Fernandes in stomach
17:32 , Will Castle
Phil Foden is SENT OFF in the Manchester derby! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/sDkHoLMnjL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2026
Calm and composed from Marc Guehi
17:31 , Will Castle
Unlike his team-mate, no sign of red mist from Marc Guehi in his half-time interview (still wrapping my head around that concept). All the sensible answers.
"We've reacted well, hopefully it can carry on"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2026
Marc Guehi speaks at half-time about Phil Foden's red card 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/DfmMXr56lK
Gary Neville: 'Painful moment for Foden'
17:29 , Will Castle
More reaction on the Phil Foden red card from Gary Neville.
“A painful moment for Foden to have to make that run down the long tunnel,” Neville said on commentary.
“I'm surprised Fernandes didn't get a yellow for the kick on the floor, he's certainly pulled a reaction out of Foden which will help his teammates.”
Roy Keane: Fernandes kicks Foden - he is the one who is violent
17:27 , Will Castle
Roy Keane has come to Phil Foden’s defence and called out Bruno Fernandes for kicking the Manchester City man, sparking the red card offence.
"Foden does react. The strange thing is that Fernandes gives a kick... for me, he is the one who is violent here,” he says on Sky Sports.
"I don't think it's a red card for Foden, l really don't."
Micah Richards added: "Fernandes catches him! I don't agree with Foden's response, but it's Fernandes who started it."
Why was Foden sent off?
17:23 , Will Castle
#MUNMCI – 23’
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) September 13, 2026
The referee’s call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR.
REF: “Red card Phil Foden – kick out into the body of Bruno”.
VAR: “That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for…
HALF-TIME! Man United 0-0 Man City
17:22 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Man United 0-0 Man City
17:18 , Will Castle
There goes the whistle. Goalless at the break, with United a man up thanks to a moment of madness from Phil Foden.
Terrific effort from Rashford
17:17 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
Terrific free-kick from Rashford but United have still only had one shot on target despite facing 10 men.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:17 , Will Castle
45+1 mins: Two minutes of stoppage time.
Up the other end, Enzo Fernandez wants a penalty after being supposedly wrestled to the ground by Harry Maguire. Would have been very soft if given.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:16 , Will Castle
45 mins: OFF THE POST! Marcus Rashford stands over it... it’s over the wall and off the post!
Gianluigi Donnarumma was beaten. The closest we’ve come to a goal so far.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:14 , Will Castle
44 mins: The crowd are really beginning to get frustrated as we approach half-time. United have so far failed to make this man advantage matter.
But, they do now have a free-kick in a dangerous position, needlessly given away by Enzo Fernandez.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:07 , Will Castle
36 mins: City have reacted really well to going a man down. United are the team who look up against it, and the visitors are really beginning to knock at the door.
United unsure with man advantage
17:06 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
United seem a bit unsure what to do. They like to counter-attack but with a man advantage, the onus is actually on them to make something happen.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:05 , Will Castle
34 mins: Nice work from Rayan Cherki to get into the box, before shimmying his man and dinking a cross to the back post.
Nobody’s there, however. Antoine Semenyo is well out of the game. He gives his ankle a kick, maybe he’s picked up a knock.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:03 , Will Castle
32 mins: Decent opening for United as the ball is slipped through for Marcus Rashford in the box, but Gianluigi Donnarumma comes out and gets there first.
City reshuffle with 10 men
17:02 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
City are playing a 4-4-1 formation now, with Rayan Cherki moving to the right flank. Or being tucked in off it, anyway.
Man United 0-0 Man City
17:01 , Will Castle
26 mins: Important block by Kobbie Mainoo to block a shot from outside the box following United’s failure to properly clear a corner.
He’s had a good game so far, something that may bode well with Thomas Tuchel watching from the stands - he was in the England squad at the World Cup, but didn’t play a minute.
Phil Foden on the other hand... well, today won’t help his case for a call-up.
Foden leaves his mark on the derby (and Fernandes)
16:56 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
Phil Foden was supposed to be a derby specialist, a man who kept scoring against United. He has made his mark today, but in a very different way.
RED CARD! Man United 0-0 Man City
16:55 , Will Castle
23 mins: Phil Foden is SENT OFF!
The local boy on Man City’s side is given his marching orders after kicking Bruno Fernandes in the stomach while down.
Michael Oliver was instant with his decision. Foden is sticking around - he feels he’s been hard done by, and that Fernandes should also be punished for putting a small kick in before he retaliated.
But it won’t be overturned, VAR sticks with Oliver’s call. Early bath for Foden.
Man United 0-0 Man City
16:53 , Will Castle
22 mins: Nearly a nightmare from Diogo Dalot, who completely fails to deal with a long searching ball and is dispossessed by Antoine Semenyo on the byline.
Senne Lammens is out of his goal but is grateful to gather Semenyo’s cross.
Haaland gets a touch
16:51 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
Erling Haaland had no touches in the first 17 minutes. At least he has had one now.
Man United 0-0 Man City
16:50 , Will Castle
19 mins: Big let-off for Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United.
He completely misjudges a backwards pass and ends up setting Erling Haaland away, charging towards the box with Rayan Cherki in support.
Fortunately for the United skipper, Martinez stops Haaland’s pass from getting through to Cherki, who would have had a clear sight at goal.
Man United 0-0 Man City
16:48 , Will Castle
17 mins: Bruno Fernandes opts against putting the ball in the box, going wide to Bryan Mbeumo before Kobbie Mainoo eventually whips one in.
It’s an absolute beauty of a cross, too, but Marcus Rashford just seems to hesitate when meeting it with his head at the back post and the ball ends up looping off his skull and out for a goal kick.
Might have been offside anyway.
Man United 0-0 Man City
16:47 , Will Castle
16 mins: Enzo Fernandez is not happy after the referee penalises him for a foul against Matheus Cunha, and now United have another chance to create from a set play.
Man United 0-0 Man City
16:42 , Will Castle
12 mins: Matheus Cunha is urged to shoot from range by the fans but drags his shot well wide.
City have come to dominate
16:41 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
Very positive start from City, encapsulated by a flick from Cherki a minute ago. They have come to try and dominate. Although as United prefer to counter-attack, that could play into their hands.
Man United 0-0 Man City
16:40 , Will Castle
9 mins: Incredible switch by Harry Maguire to Marcus Rashford sparks a move forward for United, with Bruno Fernandes then trying to lift one into the box for Diogo Dalot to latch onto.
He jumps and stretches but can’t get to it.
Man United 0-0 Man City
16:38 , Will Castle
6 mins: Elliot Anderson leaves Marcus Rashford in a heap and United have a free-kick. Rashford, United’s local boy, hasn’t played in a Manchester derby in the Premier League for 924 days.
The free-kick runs all the way through and is picked up by Rashford on the left, who lays it off to Lisandro Martinez to shoot from outside the box - straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Man United 0-0 Man City
16:36 , Will Castle
“The way you treat us is a disgrace,” read a banner held by Manchester United fans as the teams walked out. The protests against the ownership following the season ticket debacle continue inside Old Trafford.
Man United 0-0 Man City
16:34 , Will Castle
4 mins: Enzo Fernandez drives into space towards the Man United box and lets fly, but his shot is deflected wide.
Bright start from City.
Man United 0-0 Man City
16:33 , Will Castle
2 mins: Harry Maguire brings down Rayan Cherki for a cynical foul - later in the game and that’s probably a yellow card.
Semenyo on left for City - an opportunity missed?
16:33 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:
Antoine Semenyo starts on the left for City. Given Patrick Dorgu's performance against Sabah at left-back on Thursday, there ought to have been a case for using Semenyo on City's right, up against him.
KICK-OFF! Man United 0-0 Man City
16:31 , Will Castle
We are UNDERWAY!
Closing in on kick-off
16:26 , Will Castle
We are just a few minutes away from kick-off at Old Trafford.
The sprinklers are turning off, the players are lining up in the tunnel - all the action, next!
Elsewhere in the Premier League
16:23 , Will Castle
Manchester City will be hoping they don’t become the second team in sky blue to be utterly demolished today after Coventry were routed 5-0 at home to Brighton.
The pick of the bunch? This absolute worldie from none other than Lewis Dunk. Goal of the season contender.
"An absolute WORLDIE from range!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2026
Lewis Dunk scores a contender for goal of the season 🤯 pic.twitter.com/m5bPzm5Wm3
Man United fans protest against season ticket ‘fiasco’ ahead of derby
16:20 , Chris Wilson
Manchester United fans have protested against the club’s ownership ahead of the Manchester derby in response to the season ticketing ‘”fiasco” that resulted in 685 ticket bans.
The club recently announced the season ticket bans after a length investigation into ticket touting, with the manner of the investigation criticised by fans. Another 464 supporters received a final warning or a reduced sanction, with a total of 1,617 accounts identified as requiring further investigation and action.
Ahead of the Premier League match against Manchester City, fans gathered near the Bishops Blaize pub near Old Trafford to protest both the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with chants directed at both parties.
Man United fans protests against season ticket ‘fiasco’ ahead of derby
Getting warm
16:15 , Will Castle
Luke Shaw 'very close' to return
16:10 , Will Castle
Michael Carrick was just speaking to Sky Sports and he revealed that Luke Shaw is “very close” to a return from injury.
The left-back missed midweek’s Champions League thrashing of Sabah, with Patrick Dorgu filling in. The Dane does the same today.
Despite making progress, Carrick confirms Shaw is “not quite there”. The suggestion is that he will be back very soon.
Enemy territory
16:05 , Will Castle
Neville: Midfield 'a massive part of the game'
16:00 , Chris Wilson
“It’s a big game for Man City’s midfield, not just because it’s a derby,” says former Man Utd defender Gary Neville on Sky.
"Man Utd’s strength can be nullified by City’s midfield stopping the counter attack. It’s a massive part of the game today because you know Cunha, Rashford, Fernandes and Mbeumo will counter and they will do it well. They did it last year against Man City.
“So, it is critical for Man City’s midfield to stop that at source. I bet Maresca’s team talk has been 50 to 60 per cent on the United side, purely talking about how they pen them in and make sure they sustain attacks and don’t let them out. A lot of it is on the midfield,” he added.
Match stats
15:55 , Chris Wilson
Man Utd have won nine of their 10 Premier League home matches since Michael Carrick took over in January, and they’ve scored at least twice in all of those games.
As for City, they’re looking to win their opening four matches of a Premier League season for the seventh time.
Enzo Maresca backs Elliot Anderson’s swipe at Man United ahead of Manchester derby
15:50 , Chris Wilson
Enzo Maresca has said it is “normal” that Elliot Anderson described Manchester City as the “kings of Manchester” in a swipe at Manchester United.
The midfielder was a Manchester United target before joining City for £116m in the summer and marked his arrival by saying his new club were the monarchs of Manchester.
Manager Maresca cited City’s success in the last decade-and-a-half, when they have won eight Premier League titles, to support why Anderson, 23, would think that.
Enzo Maresca backs Elliot Anderson’s swipe at Man United ahead of Manchester derby
Match stats
15:46 , Chris Wilson
Man Utd won this fixture 2-0 last season, but the Red Devils have not won consecutive home matches against their rivals since winning three in a row between 2008/09 and 2010/11.
However, City have only won one of their last four matches against United, having drawn one and lost two.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
