Three things we learned from Manchester United vs Manchester City after intense Manchester Derby

MANCHESTER — Manchester City were reduced to 10 players early in the game but still found a way to beat Manchester United, in controversial fashion, in the 199th Manchester Derby at Old Trafford on Sunday. It was the first time City had won at Old Trafford for almost three years, as Erling Haaland became the all-time leading goalscorer in the Manchester Derby in Premier League history with a highly controversial goal. After Phil Foden was sent off Haaland's second half goal, which was originally ruled out for offside but was then given after a VAR review, was the difference. That controversy aside City deserved to win. United never had control of this game, even when they were up a player. Here's a look at what we learned from a big win for Manchester City vs Manchester United. Michael Carrick overthinks it in attack, but VAR controversy will take center stage United have been at their best under Carrick, and for most of the last few decades, when they play direct and on the counter. They pressed high and won the ball back on a few occasions against City in the first half but it was all too slow in midfield and in the final third. That was made worse when City went down to 10 players and just sat in and let United have the ball. Before City went 1-0 up it was much better from United as they played with high energy, Kobbie Mainoo hit the post and they forced the issue. Then they reverted to being sluggish and overthinking it. The players on the pitch were rigid and it seemed like Carrick was overthinking it with his selection. Benjamin Sesko starting up top should be the play moving forward with Cunha, Mbeumo and Fernandes supporting him. That allows United to be at their best. On Sunday it seemed like they were trying to be something they are not. In terms of the key moment, there is plenty of controversy over Enzo Fernandez going for the ball but not touching it. Did that impact the defender Lisandro Martinez? Very likely. If so, the goal should have been ruled out. It feels like it should have been no goal and the overturning of it was wrong. United will not be happy with this. #MUNMCI – 59’ VAR OVERTURN VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded. The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball. pic.twitter.com/TyTip3ACIh — Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) September 13, 2026 Maybe Luke Shaw is more important than everyone thinks? With Luke Shaw out injured Patrick Dorgu started in his place at left back and struggled in key moments. Dorgu failed to make a routine headed clearance which led to City going 1-0 up and he tried to make up for it but played Haaland onside. Half time sub Iliman Ndiaye gave Dorgu a torrid time as he kept running at him, linked up with Haaland easily and Dorgu didn't know which way to turn. Shaw has many critics but he is solid and reliable and rarely makes big mistakes. United's fans have complained about not replacing Shaw this summer, or at least buying another left back to compete with him, and those concerns will grow after Dorgu's showing. He is a fine attacking wing-back, or winger, but he looked lost at left back defensively. United's failure to add extra options in defense has come back to bite them. They will be hoping that is the only time this season it happens. Erling Haaland scores against United with City down to 10 men! pic.twitter.com/pWgwXMR4gi — NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 13, 2026 Mature Man City let down by Phil Foden Foden is so desperate to do well and get back to his best and at times early this season he looks like he's trying too hard. After missing out on the World Cup with England this summer and struggling for form and confidence for the last 12 months and has missed some big chances already. To make it worse Foden lashed out at Bruno Fernandes after 23 minutes and was sent off. He deserved to be. You can't kick out like that even if Fernandes had a nibble at him first. But the way his teammates reacted to going down a player was superb. Yes, they had the post to thank for keeping out Marcus Rashford and Mainoo from long range, but they limited United to speculative efforts until the 95th minute when Bryan Mbeumo should have equalized. City's back four relished the challenge and Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi were superb with Elliot Anderson mopping up everything ahead of them and Enzo Fernandez buzzing around and winding everyone up. Foden cares so much about Man City and has been a big reason why they've been so dominant for so long. The local lad lost his head on Sunday but his teammates didn't. He owes them a pint. Or a protein shake. Whatever these top athletes drink these days. Plenty to unpack on Phil Foden’s red card, how Man United can make the most of their advantage and what changes Carrick should make. Watch live on @peacock , NBCSN & latest on @NBCSportsSoccer here ➡️ https://t.co/hjvLmrjqHA Half time thoughts from Old Trafford ⤵️ #MUFC #MCFC pic.twitter.com/MLq9cK8lZ0 — Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) September 13, 2026