Manchester City claimed derby day glory at Old Trafford despite Phil Foden’s red card as Erling Haaland’s controversial second-half goal proved enough for a 1-0 win over Manchester United.

A loss of composure from Foden looked as if it might condemn City to a first loss of the season. Foden’s response to being kicked while on the turf by Bruno Fernandes was to kick the Portuguese in the stomach, and referee Michael Oliver showed no hesitation in brandishing a red.

Yet City markedly grew into the game after going a man down, with an anaemic United attack largely reduced to shots from distance, albeit two did go agonisingly close to finding the net as Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo each hit the post.

And Enzo Maresca’s side were rewarded for their efforts in the face of self-enforced adversity, with Pep Guardiola’s successor tasting victory as boss in very contentious circumstances.

City’s celebrations were initially cut short by the offside flag after Haaland found the top-left corner by meeting Josko Gvardiol’s deflected left-wing cross with a wonderfully judged close-range finish.

However, after a lengthy VAR check, it was deemed Haaland was being played onside by Patrick Dorgu. Enzo Fernandez, who was clearly offside, was ruled not to be interfering with player despite attacking the delivery while being marked by Lisandro Martinez.

That decision sparked delirium in the corner of Old Trafford decked in light blue, and the only cheers that followed thereafter came from the City fans as United laboured in their futile search for an equaliser.

Salvation looked set to arrive for United when Fernandes threaded a superb pass through to Bryan Mbeumo, but Gianluigi Donnarumma delivered a reminder of his goalkeeping quality with a stunning save.

A derby win that will taste particularly sweet sees City keep pace with defending Premier League champions Arsenal with four wins from four. United, meanwhile, are already eight points adrift of that pair in a hugely underwhelming start to Michael Carrick’s first full season.

Though United spent much of the early going in the ascendancy, they struggled to trouble Donnarumma, though their chances of doing so appeared set to improve when Foden saw red.

Foden vehemently pleaded his case following his altercation with Fernandes, but the only dubious aspect of Oliver’s decision was that the United midfielder did not at least receive a yellow card for his role in the incident.

In making the long walk down the tunnel, Foden became the first City player to be sent off in a derby since Bernardo Corradi in December 2006.

The saving grace for City was that they did not lose a defensive player, and United’s efforts in breaking them down were distinctly unimpressive. Indeed, City established a greater foothold in the game after Foden’s premature exit, though they were grateful to the left-hand post as Rashford’s free-kick cannoned off it in first-half stoppage time.

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