Enzo Maresca claimed Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes should have been sent off along with Phil Foden during a brutal encounter at Old Trafford, as the derby descended into a war of words.
It was a heroic victory for City, who had Foden sent off after just 23 minutes as he lashed out at Fernandes, who had kicked him, but United could not find a way back even against ten men.
Maresca backs red card but wants Fernandes punished
Maresca praised his players before admitting referee Michael Oliver was right to send off Foden, but said Fernandes should have gone as well.
The Italian said: “The decision can be a red card for Foden, but in the same action, it can be a red card for Bruno because he also kicks Phil.”
“The goal was right to stand. I spoke to the fourth official and he told me it was onside. But it was a fantastic win. It’s great for spirit and togetherness.”
United fury over offside call
Lisandro Martinez insisted Manchester City’s win was an “injustice”, with the United defender incensed because City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was not flagged offside before the ball reached Erling Haaland, who scored the winning goal.
Martinez said: “He was offside. I went to [Enzo Fernandez] because he was there in front of me, and that’s why Haaland was free [to score].
“I want to be calm, I want to control myself but it’s so hard. Every season they come to our club, they explain the rules for an hour and a half, and they look so confident.
“And then you have five or six people making this mistake. It’s unacceptable because this is the best league in the world. And now we have to go home with this injustice.”
Carrick questions interpretation of rules
United boss Michael Carrick was incensed by the goal being allowed to stand. Fernandez was clearly in an offside position, with the accusation that he stopped Martinez from clearing the ball before it reached Haaland.
Carrick said: “I'm confused. We put things in place in the game now. We have people in offices with all the screens for this decision. It's more worrying if that's the interpretation of football now.
“If that's the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that's really worrying for me. It's a staggering explanation.”
Carrick also said he understood the pre-match protests from fans outside Old Trafford as they are angry at club decisions on season tickets and the way it is being run generally. He added: “I definitely appreciate the supporters. We want to make them happy - they are everything for this football club. I feel for them today.”
