Maresca praises Manchester City’s ‘spirit, effort, togetherness’ in derby win at Old Trafford
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Enzo Maresca, Head Coach of Manchester City, celebrates to fans at the final whistle of the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca talked about a 1-0 win for Manchester City on derby day.
The head coach came under fire following a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield, but the triumphs over Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Coventry City and Porto put the team back on track.
The trip to Old Trafford would test how well this side can compete, and they rose to the occasion.
‘We didn't concede any transitions or space behind’
Phil Foden, who so often has been a pivotal figure in the final third on derby day for the Sky Blues, was sent off at the midway mark of the first half after lashing out at Bruno Fernandes on the floor.
Over 70 minutes of action involved City being down to ten men, but their resilience was rewarded as Erling Haaland snatched the only goal of the game to keep his team level with Arsenal at the top.
Maresca on the red card
"After the red card the plan changed completely. The spirit, effort, togetherness of the players has been fantastic. I think it was a red card [for Phil Foden ] to be honest, but also in the same action for Bruno Fernandes , not just for us.
"We didn't concede any transitions or space behind. It's a special game for everyone; the fans, the club and the manager, but this is not the moment when I'm thinking about myself. I'm thinking about the team and an unbelievable three points .
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United and Marc Guehi of Manchester City during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United and Marc Guehi of Manchester City during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Counter-attacking with ten men
“I think, in the second half, if we just wait for them and we don’t counter attack, the game would have become more difficult for us. Even more difficult. But with Iliman Ndiaye , Antoine Semenyo and Erling Haaland when we have a chance to attack, we can attack.
“The noise from the fans was fantastic. At the end it was emotion for the game with 10 players. The derby is always special for fans, the staff, the players and everyone.”