Maresca: 10-man City could still win the Manchester derby

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said he told his players at half-time they could still win the Manchester derby despite being reduced to 10 men following Phil Foden's red card in the 23rd minute at Old Trafford.

Foden was dismissed after an altercation with Bruno Fernandes in the 199th derby between the two clubs. Maresca acknowledged the sending off complicated City's game plan but argued it also disrupted United.

"We had a plan 11 v 11 that after the red card completely changed," Maresca said. "The game with 10 men became more difficult for us but also for them, because they are a team that loves to play in transition, they love space in behind but with 10 players we just dropped waiting for them and we didn't concede any transitions or concede any space behind."

Maresca's half-time message proved decisive. Erling Haaland scored the winner on the hour mark to seal a victory the City manager described as especially significant.

"To win with 10 men is already special, but it was even more special when it's a Manchester derby for the fans, for the players and the coaching staff," he said.

Maresca also addressed two key flashpoints at his post-match press conference. On the red card, he said: "I think the red card for Phil Foden is a red card. But I also think in the same action it's a red card for Bruno."

On Haaland's VAR-checked goal, Maresca added: "The fourth official told me that Erling was onside and they were just checking the entire action. Nothing more to add on the goal."

City were indebted to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma late on, as the Italian kept out Bryan Mbuemo's goalbound effort with the clock running down. Maresca was effusive in his praise.

"Wow," he said. "I think it was the only big chance of the game. Big players score at vital moments. Big keepers make big saves at vital moments like Giogio at the end. It was a great save."