Manchester City produced a resolute display with ten men at Old Trafford to claim all three points in a narrow 1-0 success that represented Enzo Maresca’s most significant victory since taking charge.
The visitors found themselves a man down after just 23 minutes when Phil Foden was dismissed for violent conduct following an altercation with Bruno Fernandes.
Referee Michael Oliver showed the England international a straight red card, a decision that was never likely to be rescinded despite the omission of any punishment for Fernandes.
Despite being reduced to ten men, City refused to buckle and delivered a performance that surpassed their showing with a full complement back in January.
Maresca had assembled an attacking lineup despite the magnitude of the fixture, naming four players who had previously found the net at this stadium among his starters: Foden, Rayan Cherki, Erling Haaland, and Antoine Semenyo.
The tactical approach appeared bold given the circumstances, though circumstances deteriorated sharply when Foden was shown his marching orders.
City adapted by switching to a more conservative shape after the interval, yet they remained a threat on the counterattack.
Haaland led a swift break and picked out Cherki wide on the flank, with the French international delivering an early cross into an area where an additional attacker might have been positioned had the visitors maintained their numerical advantage.
Iliman Ndiaye was introduced for just his third appearance in sky blue, tasked with providing an outlet and maintaining width as Maresca sought to exploit the spaces United were leaving behind.
The home side’s midfield general Kobbie Mainoo was beginning to energise the Stretford End, suggesting City were under mounting pressure, though the Red Devils offered little creative quality.
It was therefore against the run of play when Haaland reacted quickest to slot home after initially being flagged for offside.
The goal survived a lengthy VAR examination, with the original decision overturned and the strike confirmed after several minutes of deliberation.
Senne Lammens was unable to prevent the ball crossing his line.
The strike proved decisive, yet the manner of the victory mattered equally.
Recent visits to this stadium had seen City appear disjointed and underperforming their collective ability.
On this occasion, Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez demonstrated precisely why the club has invested heavily in central midfield, while Ndiaye excelled by winning possession repeatedly and retaining the ball under pressure.
When the substitute held off challenges from Patrick Dorgu and Mainoo before winning a free-kick and acknowledging the away supporters, the moment carried weight that forwards had lacked in previous campaigns.
The gesture resonated with a travelling support that had endured difficult afternoons at this venue.
Ndiaye led the celebrations at the final whistle, sprinting toward the corner where the City faithful had gathered with arms raised.