Intelligence & resilience key in statement win for Maresca's Man City - Murphy
September 13, 2026 22:20
Manchester City travelled to Old Trafford and won 1-0 despite being reduced to 10 men early on when Phil Foden was sent off. Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal as City held out for the victory.
Maresca made only one change before the hour mark, replacing Rayan Cherki with Iliman Ndiaye at half-time; United had chances — including Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo efforts that hit the post — and Gianluigi Donnarumma kept out a late Bryan Mbeumo effort.
KEY CONTEXT
- The red card came in the first 25 minutes (Murphy notes it was after 23 minutes) and forced City into a defensive approach for much of the match.
- Manchester United, under Michael Carrick, began strongly and were described as having the early momentum; Carrick introduced Benjamin Sesko for Youri Tielemans after 67 minutes and Joshua Zirkzee for Rashford after 83 minutes.
- Murphy highlighted that City’s experienced players provided leadership and communication on the field, allowing the team to adapt to playing with a man less.