Old Trafford hosted the Manchester derby for the first time in years, but the occasion ended in frustration for Manchester United as Manchester City, playing without Pep Guardiola, secured a 1–0 victory despite finishing the match with 10 men.
The game was evenly contested in the opening stages, but the first major talking point was not a chance but a red card. In the 23rd minute, Michael Oliver sent off Phil Foden for a two-footed challenge on Bruno Fernandes, leaving City a man down for the majority of the match.
With the intensity of the derby preventing either side from creating many clear-cut opportunities, United's best chance of the first half came from a Marcus Rashford free-kick in the 45th minute. His effort beat the goalkeeper but struck the post.
United, now with a numerical advantage, continued to push after the break and came close again in the 51st minute when Kobbie Mainoo's shot rattled the woodwork.
Against the run of play, City thought they had taken the lead in the 60th minute when Erling Haaland found the net. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR intervened and determined that the Norwegian striker had been onside, sending the visiting supporters into celebration and leaving the home crowd stunned.
United hit the woodwork once again, but City soon returned the favour. In the 69th minute, Enzo Fernández's effort struck the post and stayed out as the visitors continued to protect their narrow advantage.
The hosts pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages, with their best opportunity coming in the 86th minute. Harry Maguire rose to meet a cross but headed narrowly wide of the goal.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a crucial save to deny Bryan Mbeumo in a one-on-one situation and preserve all three points for his side.
Despite playing with 10 men for more than an hour, Manchester City held on to claim a memorable derby victory. The result takes City to 12 points and keeps them at the top of the table, while Manchester United remain 13th with four points.