Phil Foden had the last laugh at the Manchester derby as he trolled several Manchester United fans who waited for him to leave after the game.
The England international found himself having an early bath after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes during the 1-0 win for City at Old Trafford.
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But Enzo Maresca’s side produced their best result and performance of the season as they sealed a deserved win.
The winning goal was controversial as Erling Haaland brilliantly scored at the back post after a deflected cross fell his way.
However, the goal should have been ruled out due to Enzo Fernandez being offside and interfering with play.
Pro Ref have since issued a statement acknowledging their mistake.
But despite his red card, as Foden left to get on to the Man City bus, he used his fingers to form the 1-0 scoreline as he was booed.
And he couldn’t wipe a huge grin off his face either as Man City became just the second side in Premier League history to beat the Red Devils at Old Trafford with ten men.
It wasn’t a great day for Foden on a personal note, but the team comes first, and he was clearly delighted.
Early bath for Foden
Up until the 23rd minute at Old Trafford, the Manchester derby was a bit of a non-event.
That was until Fernandes and Foden got into an altercation.
It was actually the Man United captain who started it as he subtly kicked Foden in the back while he was on the floor.
The response from the versatile attacker was more blatant as he pushed two feet into Fernandes’ midriff, who collapsed to the floor.
Referee Michael Oliver sent Foden off to hand the advantage to the home side.
But they didn’t make the most of it in any way, with City being the better side and creating the better chances.
Man United hit the post twice from range and Gianluigi Donnarumma made a stunning save, but it was a deserved win for City.
Maresca’s view
Maresca believes that Foden was right to be sent off, but he thinks Fernandes should have also been dismissed.
When asked about the incident that saw Foden receive a red card, he said: “Phil’s card is a red card, but I also think the same action is a red card by Bruno.
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“I think reviewing the action, and I reviewed it immediately, it is a clear red card for Phil because it is a reaction.
“But you can also see Bruno [foul Foden]. But anyway, it is what it is. Red card, but we won.
“Last year, I was here with Chelsea and we had red card after three minutes, so next time I was hoping for a different story.
“We had a plan for 11 vs. 11, but after the red card, the game completely changed, but also for them.
“They love transition and space in behind, but the game became more difficult with us and them
“We just drop, no space in behind and no more transition, which is why the game was also more difficult for them.”
Foden now faces a three-game ban, with the earliest he can play for City against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on October 14.
