Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United suffered defeat in the 199th Manchester derby after a controversial goal at Old Trafford.
Sigh. It is VAR that will dominate the headlines around Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Firstly, Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes in the first half. Michael Carrick’s side then pushed to find an opening at Old Trafford but Erling Haaland gave the visitors the lead against the run of play.
Despite initially being ruled out as offside, the decision was overturned by VAR and the goal stood. United remain 13th in the Premier League table.
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
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The offside rule has changed?
Without doubt, the biggest talking point from this game was the decision to allow Erling Haaland’s goal.
Every replay seemed to show the City forward in an offside position, before and after a potential touch from Enzo Fernandez.
The goal was (rightly) ruled offside on the pitch but the decision was overturned by VAR. The biggest lesson here is that clearly the offside rule must have changed overnight.
Centre-forward Cunha or striker Sesko?
Carrick opted to stick with Matheus Cunha at the spearhead of United’s attack, the Brazilian bringing more fluidity to the front line than Benjamin Sesko.
But Sesko’s scoring rate cannot be argued. He has already found the net twice as a substitute. Carrick’s decision paid off when United started the game brightly and Cunha was heavily involved, but after the red card, the game shifted and it became more stylistically suited to the athleticism of Sesko.
The good news for United is that they have two talented forwards to choose from who offer very different skillsets. The bad news? It’s really hard to choose who to start.
Carrick’s record vs Big Six dented
Last season, Carrick built up a very impressive record against the so-called ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League, recording wins over Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool.
Carrick has already proven he can beat elite managers, and his record against Enzo Maresca is also very impressive.
However, Carrick’s record was dented here with an unfortunate defeat.
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Struggles vs 10 men
It was pointed out by Gary Neville on Sky Sports commentary that United’s tempo and intensity actually dropped after Phil Foden’s red card.
Instead of pressing their advantage, United’s attacking play dwindled, and not for the first time.
Last season, United lost two matches when facing 10 men. Ruben Amorim lost against 10-man Everton, and then Carrick’s United lost to 10-man Newcastle United.
It is a problem that needs resolving sooner rather than later.
Kobbie Mainoo is the best midfielder in Manchester
There was plenty of talk pre-match about the midfield rebuild of both Manchester sides this summer.
United spent shrewdly on the likes of Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos, while City splashed over £300m on Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The best player on the pitch at Old Trafford? Carrington graduate Kobbie Mainoo. Priceless.