Enzo Maresca Fires Back After Manchester Derby — Man City Boss Says Bruno Fernandes Should Have Seen Red Too

Enzo Maresca refused to let the Manchester derby controversy end with Phil Foden’s red card, insisting Bruno Fernandes could have been dismissed in the same incident as City battled to a remarkable victory at Old Trafford.

Manchester City secured the derby with an Erling Haaland winner despite being reduced to 10 men after just 23 minutes.

Foden was shown a straight red after lashing out at Fernandes, who had kicked him during the confrontation. United failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage, leaving City to celebrate a dramatic victory.

But the fallout quickly shifted from the result to the officiating.

Maresca: Fernandes Should Have Gone Too

Maresca admitted referee Michael Oliver was entitled to send Foden off, but argued that Fernandes’ involvement should also have resulted in a dismissal.

“The decision can be a red card for Foden, but in the same action, it can be a red card for Bruno because he also kicks Phil.”

The City boss was equally satisfied that Haaland’s winning goal was correctly allowed to stand after the initial offside decision was overturned.

Maresca said he had spoken to the fourth official, who told him the striker was onside.

For City, that meant an extraordinary victory — one Maresca believed could have a major impact on the team’s spirit and togetherness.

Martinez Calls The Result An “Injustice”

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez saw things very differently.

The Argentine was furious over the decision to allow Haaland’s goal, insisting Enzo Fernandez’s position interfered with his ability to deal with the cross before the ball reached the City striker.

“He was offside. I went to [Enzo Fernandez] because he was there in front of me, and that’s why Haaland was free [to score].”

Martinez struggled to hide his frustration, particularly given the explanations players receive about VAR and the offside rules.

“Every season they come to our club, they explain the rules for an hour and a half, and they look so confident.”

He then delivered his strongest criticism:

“It’s unacceptable because this is the best league in the world. And now we have to go home with this injustice.”

Carrick: “It’s A Staggering Explanation”

United boss Michael Carrick was equally unhappy with the decision.

His frustration centred on the fact that VAR officials had multiple screens and angles available before deciding that Fernandez had not interfered with play.

“I’m confused. We put things in place in the game now. We have people in offices with all the screens for this decision.”

Carrick questioned whether the explanation represented a wider change in how interference is being interpreted.

“If that’s the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that’s really worrying for me.”

He described the explanation as “staggering” and made clear that he understood why United supporters were angry after the match.

City Leave Old Trafford With More Than Three Points

The derby had already been packed with controversy before Haaland’s decisive strike.

Foden’s early dismissal left City facing more than an hour with 10 men, yet United could not find a way through.

Haaland’s goal then produced another VAR storm, with