(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester United slumped to a lacklustre 1-0 defeat in the first Manchester derby of the campaign.
What’s worse, they did it on home soil and against a 10-man Manchester City team.
United vs City: What happened on Sunday?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Phil Foden of Manchester City heads off the pitch after receiving a red card from referee Michael Oliver during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Phil Foden was controversially shown a straight red card in the first half for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, who, in fairness, did do his bit to instigate the incident by fouling the forward and kicking him after he dropped to the floor.
Phil Foden is SENT OFF in the Manchester derby! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/sDkHoLMnjL — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2026
Remarkably, Enzo Maresca explained post-match that he believed City being a player down actually negatively impacted United’s game plan, which his side were then able to take advantage of.
🚨🎙️ | Enzo Maresca: "Phil Foden's red card didn't just change the game for us, but also for THEM. "Because they are very good in transition and attacking space in behind. The game became more difficult for THEM." pic.twitter.com/VuqSIKcgDG — (fan) Frank 🧠🇾🇪 (@FrankEra_) September 13, 2026
Either way, it’s now two losses, one win and one draw in the Premier League for Michael Carrick and his men this season, leaving United 13th-placed by the end of the weekend.
How Kobbie Mainoo fared on derby day
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United runs with the ball under pressure from Iliman Ndiaye 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, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
One Red who can hold his head high after the afternoon’s dismal affairs in M16 is Kobbie Mainoo.
He played the full 90 minutes of the contest, and ended his shift having made the most touches (83), most successful passes (65), most take-ons (three) and most chances created (three), as per StatmanDave.
Kobbie Mainoo amongst Manchester United players vs. Manchester City: 🥇 Most touches (83)🥇 Most successful passes (65)🥇 Most defensive contributions (13)🥈 Second most line-breaking passes (11) 🥇 Most successful take-ons (3)🥇 Most chances created (3) A fine individual… pic.twitter.com/G88hJ65wc6 — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 13, 2026
The youngster has been back to his best since returning to the starting XI; Mainoo was left out of the line-up on the opening day of the term due to his late World Cup involvement – and therefore shorter pre-season – but has started every game since, including last week’s Champions League outing.
United are next in action on Wednesday night, when they kick off their Carabao Cup campaign against notorious bogey team Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Seagulls enter the tie on the back of a 5-0 away win over Coventry City, and they sit fourth in the league after matchweek four.
Read more: David Ornstein delivers worrying update on Bruno Fernandes and United
Just in: Ornstein delivers worrying update on Bruno Fernandes & Man Utd Sep 13 2026, 19:51
Bruno Fernandes in action for Man Utd
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