Phil Foden couldn’t resist poking fun at some nearby Manchester United fans as he made his way out of Old Trafford in the wake of Manchester City’s derby-day victory.
The England midfielder was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes in the 23rd minute, leaving Enzo Maresca’s City with a mountain to climb in continuing their 100 per cent start in the Premier League this season.
But Erling Haaland scored what proved to be the winning goal on the hour-mark, directing home Josko Gvardiol’s defected cross from a tight angle to silence the Theatre of Dreams.
The strike had initially been ruled out for offside by referee Michael Oliver, only for VAR to reverse the decision – despite questions over Enzo Fernandez’s possible role in the goal.
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Bryan Mbeumo had a golden opportunity to level in the closing stages but Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a fine save to ensure his side emerged with their third successive clean sheet in all competitions.
The result saw City go level with on points at the top with the champions Arsenal, who got the better of Sunderland 24 hours earlier to maintain their perfect start to the new campaign.
United, meanwhile, remain stranded down in 13th place, with only four points to their name – and local boy Foden clearly had little sympathy as he made his way out of enemy territory.
In the video, a grinning Foden can be seen gesturing 1-0 with his fingers while he ignores loud boos aimed his direction and accusations of being a ‘cheat’.
Foden now faces a three-match suspension as a result of his sending off, meaning he is set to miss City’s upcoming contests against Norwich (Carabao Cup), Sunderland and Liverpool (both Premier League).
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Enzo Maresca will be able to call upon the 26-year-old again for City’s Champions League group-stage clash against holders Paris Saint-Germain on October 14.
Facing the media after the game, Maresca praised his players for the ‘spirit’ they showed in difficult circumstances after Foden had been given his marching orders.
‘With the red card changed our plan a little bit but credit to the players because their effort, the spirit has been brilliant,’ the City head coach told reporters.
‘The moment we go to ten players it changes all the players. At the beginning we wanted to create an overload in the middle but after 23 minutes it changed completely.’
Asked if he felt Foden’s red card was fair, Maresca replied: ‘It can be a red card but in the same action it can be a red card for Bruno. It is what it is.’
‘It changed the plan for us but also changed the plan for them. They are unbelievable in transition and the moment we went to ten men we didn’t give them any transition.
‘The tactical plan is one thing but the main thing today was the effort from the players, outstanding.’
City will look to make it five wins from five in the English top flight when they play host to Sunderland at the Etihad in a week’s time.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, travel to Fulham in search of their second win of the Premier League campaign.
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Phil Foden trolls Man Utd fans as he leaves Old Trafford after Man City victory | Football
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