Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said he believes Bruno Fernandes deserved a red card of his own during Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United, arguing the Portuguese midfielder's role in the flashpoint that saw Phil Foden dismissed was overlooked by officials.
The incident occurred in the 23rd minute at Old Trafford when Fernandes fouled Foden, prompting the City forward to react by kicking out at his opponent. Referee Michael Oliver issued Foden a straight red card for violent conduct, a decision that was reviewed and upheld by VAR. Match official Matt Donohue explained the review process, stating: "That looks like a clear red card to me. Looks to be a secondary movement. Confirming the red card for Manchester City No.47."
What drew scrutiny afterward, however, was replay footage appearing to show Fernandes aiming a second kick toward Foden's back following his initial foul — an action that went unpunished, leaving the United captain without so much as a yellow card.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Maresca made clear he felt the officiating had been inconsistent. "Phil's card is a red card, but I also think the same action is a red card by Bruno," he said. "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."
The City boss's comments echoed sentiments expressed by pundits during the Sky Sports broadcast. Gary Neville admitted he was taken aback that Fernandes avoided a booking, while former United midfielder Roy Keane went further, suggesting it was Fernandes who had been the aggressor in the exchange.
Despite going down to ten men before the half-hour mark, City did not fold. Instead, Maresca's side adapted their approach and eventually snatched victory through a contentious late goal from Erling Haaland, sealing a memorable win on the road against their fiercest rivals.
Reflecting on how his team responded to playing a man light, Maresca drew a contrast with a similar experience during his time at Chelsea. "Last year I was here with Chelsea and we had a red card after three minutes, so this time I was hoping for a different story," he said. "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."
The win keeps City firmly in the hunt at the top of the Premier League table after four matchdays, with Maresca's side sitting second only to Arsenal, the two clubs the only ones remaining unbeaten with a perfect record.
Attention now turns to a quick turnaround in fixtures, with City set to host Norwich City in the League Cup on Thursday before returning to Premier League action against Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 20 September — their final outing before the upcoming international break.
Based on reporting from The Independent, Standard Sport, and BBC Sport.