E. Maresca responds to P. Foden's red card: 'Fernandes deserved the same punishment'

2026-09-14 13:22 © zumapress

Enzo Maresca won his first Manchester derby.

His team, Manchester City, defeated Manchester United on Sunday with a minimal score of 1:0.

The "Citizens" played with one less player from the 23rd minute when Phil Foden received a red card. However, after the match, E. Maresca stated that in the same situation, a red card should have been shown to "Man Utd" captain Bruno Fernandes.

"Foden's actions were deserving of a red card, but I believe that in that situation, Fernandes deserved the same punishment.

I reviewed the episode again and had no questions about the penalty for Foden, but I think Bruno deserved the same. Either way, despite the red card, we fought for the victory.

Last season at Old Trafford, I was with Chelsea and we received a red card in the third minute. I hope that this will not happen again.

We had a plan on how we wanted to play, but everything changed after the red card. True, United had to change their plan too.

Man Utd likes open spaces and counterattacks, but we had to adapt, and those spaces became fewer,” said E. Maresca.