Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca reacted to Phil Foden's controversial red card decision in Sunday's 1-0 derby win at Old Trafford.
Phil Foden received a straight red card from Michael Oliver for retaliating against Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
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City recorded their fifth consecutive win across all competitions despite playing the final 67 minutes with 10 men following Phil Foden's first-half red card.
Foden was dismissed in the 23rd minute after kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes in retaliation for contact from the Portuguese midfielder. Referee Michael Oliver produced a straight red card for violent conduct, confirmed by VAR as a "clear red card" - a decision Maresca questioned without fully disputing.
Erling Haaland scored the only goal after the interval, meeting Josko Gvardiol's cross across the box at the back post and finishing expertly past Senne Lammens - with the goal awarded after an initial on-pitch offside decision.
The second-half brought genuine threat from United, with Gianluigi Donnarumma producing a stunning late save from Bryan Mbeumo that proved crucial to preserving Manchester City's slender advantage heading into added time.
Maresca made the decision to replace Rayan Cherki with Iliman Ndiaye at half-time in a tactical switch that changed the game. With Antoine Semenyo and Haaland retained, City had three forwards capable of carrying the ball and winning fouls on the counter - a threat they used to score the winner and manage the game in their favour.
Maresca on the Red Card, the Substitution and the Spirit of City's Win
Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after the final whistle, Maresca said of the result: "What a chaos! The red card changed a little bit the plan of the game, but credit to the players because the effort, spirit, togetherness has been brilliant!"
On Foden's dismissal, he added: "It can be a red card for Phil Foden, but I think in the same action it can be a red card for Bruno, in the same action. So, anyway... It is what it is. Red card for us. We won."
Controversy and raw emotion defined a fiery Manchester derby at Old Trafford where, despite Phil Foden seeing red early on, Erling Haaland delivered the decisive blow to prove once again that the city’s football hierarchy remains undeniably blue.cityxtra.co.ukMatch Report & Player Ratings: Man United 0-1 Man City (Premier League)
Controversy and raw emotion defined a fiery Manchester derby at Old Trafford where, despite Phil Foden seeing red early on, Erling Haaland delivered the decisive blow to prove once again that the city’s football hierarchy remains undeniably blue.
He then expanded at his post-match press conference on how the red card affected both sides: "I think it changed the plan for us, but also for them! They're a fantastic team, unbelievable, in transition. The moment we were with 10 players, we didn't give them any transitions because they were with the ball!"
On his decision to replace Cherki at the interval, Maresca said: "Rayan Cherki is a top player, but we needed something different. We needed a player that can win fouls, counter-attack, and the idea with Ili on one side, Antoine on the other, and Erling, when we have chance to attack, we need to attack! We cannot just defend!"
That is Why the Club Decided to Buy Him, Says Maresca in Donnarumma Praise After Stoppage-Time Mbuemo Save
Donnarumma's save from Mbeumo in the 90+5th minute was the defining moment of the finale, tipping what appeared a certain equaliser around the post to preserve City's advantage.
Speaking to Sky Sports on the pitch, he said: "Oh, oh my god! That was... That was Gigio! We need Gigio for that! That's why he's here, that's why in the past the club decided to buy him because he's a fantastic goalkeeper!"
At his subsequent press conference, Maresca added: "Big players are there to score goals in the right moments, and big goalkeepers are there to save in the right moment. Gigio at the end, for sure he saved us because it was a great save!"
Manchester City face Norwich City in the Carabao Cup third round on Thursday night before Sunday's visit of Sunderland to the Etihad Stadium.