Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca believes Phil Foden’s red card made the game harder in the win over Manchester United. He claimed that they had to change tactics and did not give their opponents any space.
Speaking to the media after the match, Maresca said that Manchester City and Manchester United had to swap tactics because of the red card. He added that the players worked hard to ensure they did not leave spaces behind for their opponents to attack and said:
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“We had a plan 11 v 11 that after the red card completely changed. The game with 10 men became more difficult for us but also for them, because they are a team that loves to play in transition; they love space in behind, but with 10 players we just dropped back – waiting for them and we didn’t concede any transitions or concede any space behind.”
“That’s why I say it became more difficult for us and for them. The message at half-time I said to the players was that the game was more difficult for us – but also more difficult for them.”
Talking about the red card, Maresca stated that Foden deserved the red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. He argued that the Manchester United captain should have also got a red card for his kick at the Manchester City star and said:
“I think Phil Foden’s red card is a red card, but I also think that, in the same action, it’s a red card for Bruno. I think, reviewing the action, it is a clear red card for Phil because it is a reaction but you can also see Bruno’s intention so it’s a red card for Phil but it’s also a red card for Bruno. For the goal, the fourth official said to me that Erling was onside and they were just checking on the action, so nothing to add. I think Erling was onside and Enzo didn’t interfere with the action.”
Manchester United lost 1-0 to Manchester City, with Erling Haaland scoring the lone goal of the match.
Manchester United and Manchester City have contrasting starts to the season
Manchester United are sitting 13th in the Premier League table after four matches this season. They have won just once, while drawing against Everton and losing to Hull City on the opening day of the season.
Manchester City are on top of the Premier League table, level on points with Arsenal. Maresca’s side have won all their matches, beating AFC Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Coventry City and the Red Devils.
Edited by Sripad