Five major talking points as Man City beat Man United at Old Trafford in controversial derby

Manchester City maintained the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League by beating Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the 199th Manchester derby.

Erling Braur Haaland’s controversial goal proved decisive, despite City being forced to play with 10 men for most of the match after Phil Foden was sent off in the first half.

Here are five major talking points from a dramatic derby.

Foden’s red card was harsh, but why was Fernandes not booked?

Foden’s red card changed the complexion of the derby, but a huge question remains about the circumstances.

The City forward kicked out at Bruno Fernandes after the latter appeared to instigate the confrontation.

Foden was punished with a straight red card, yet Fernandes escaped without even a booking.

The Man City star cannot be completely absolved for his reaction.

However, if the officials deemed his response worthy of a sending-off, Fernandes’ role in provoking the incident deserved punishment.

Haaland wins it, but City may have got away with one

Haaland was once again the hero against United, scoring his record ninth Manchester derby goal. But plenty of controversy surrounded the finish.

The Norwegian converted Josko Gvardiol’s cross, but Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and appeared to make a clear attempt to head the ball before Haaland finished.

Fernandez clearly interfered with the play as Man United goalkeeper Senne Lammens thought he’d make contact with the ball before it reached Haaland.

United will certainly feel hard done by if the goal was allowed to stand despite that offside involvement.

City’s £250m midfield completely took over

Even with Foden sent off, City had players capable of controlling the game.

Their £250 million midfield pairing of Fernandez and Elliot Anderson was outstanding, with the duo dictating the tempo and helping City remain composed despite playing with 10 men.

Fernandez provided the control and technical quality, while Anderson’s energy and physicality allowed City to compete in the middle of the pitch.

That is an incredibly expensive midfield, but this performance showed why City have invested so heavily in it.

Michael Carrick still has plenty of work to do at United

United have not quite found their groove yet.

This was only manager Michael Carrick’s second defeat at Old Trafford since his return, so there is no need for panic, but the performance was worryingly flat.

United struggled to impose themselves even after gaining a numerical advantage, and losing to 10-man City will sting.

One win in four matches is concerning at this stage, particularly as United’s attack never really looked capable of turning the screw.

Carrick needs to find answers quickly.

Matheus Cunha has a shocker & Benjamin Sesko looked miles better

Matheus Cunha had a game to forget. Leading the line for United, he struggled to hold the ball up, offered very little threat and failed to make any meaningful impact on the attack.

The difference was clear when Benjamin Sesko came on.

The Slovenian immediately looked more capable of giving United an outlet, competing physically with City’s defenders and offering more presence in the final third.

That will surely give Carrick something to think about.

If Sesko continues to look this much more effective as the central striker, Cunha could lose his place in the starting XI.