Enzo Fernandez celebrates Manchester City's win over Manchester United
Enzo Fernandez celebrates after Manchester City's win at Manchester United
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Enzo Maresca fist pumped, Iliman Ndiaye threw both arms up to the away end, Enzo Fernandez won the free kick and lay on the turf with a smile on his face.
'He's in your head, Enzo, Enzo, Enzo,' boomed out from a vociferous away end. There were still 15 minutes of the derby to play but Manchester United looked baffled, bemused and ultimately beaten.
Minutes later Fernandez drifted into the box and past Harry Maguire and went down. The United defender was incensed and pushed the £125million man to the ground. Both players were booked.
It was Fernandez's last act of the game as Nico O'Reilly came on to replace him. As he trudged round the pitch Fernandez was booed by the home crowd but cheered relentlessly by the travelling City following. They have a new hero.
He was excellent in the second half as City produced a masterful performance. This was as statement a victory as you could get. Down to 10 men for most of the game away from home in a Manchester derby.
Phil Foden's moment of madness saw him dismissed inside 25 minutes. United hit the post twice either side of the break and City were facing their biggest test of the campaign so far.
Maresca's men weathered the storm, roused themselves and ultimately ran out worth winners. Gianluigi Donnarumma didn't have a significant save to make until added time when he superbly denied Bryan Mbeumo.
Moments earlier Fernandez had been up cheering on the bench as an aimless United cross sailed out of play. United lacked direction, imagination and inventiveness after falling behind and while Michael Carrick's side must look at their own shortcomings, this was another feather in the Maresca cap.
His decision to replace Rayan Cherki, who hadn't performed badly, with Ndiaye at the break paid off handsomely with the substitute a willing outlet and excellent at keeping the ball.
Taking Fernandez off despite his influence on the second half was also a wise move as O'Reilly came on to see out the contest.
As the final whistle went, Maresca was running down the touchline to the jubilant away supporters.
The squad celebrated effusively on the Old Trafford pitch with Fernandez front and centre. New bonds are being forged and new heroes are emerging, even if it's still Erling Haaland scoring the goals and winning the games.
It's been a dream start for Maresca's City. The blue half of Manchester slept well last night.