⚽ Premier League 2026/2027 Discussion Thread ⚽

[laijsica]

Manchester United had a strong chance of winning this match, but unfortunately, they failed to score. Manchester City put in a magnificent performance and mounted a solid defense; although one of their players was sent off which caused them some initial anxiety they continued to attack. They managed to score the decisive goal, securing a vital three points. Many had anticipated that Manchester United would win given City's numerical disadvantage, yet United failed to capitalize despite launching numerous attacks. The match was truly remarkable, particularly the way the Manchester City players fought with confidence, ultimately clinching the victory with that single goal. Haaland’s brilliant strike secured the win, and if Manchester City can maintain this consistency, they are likely to achieve great victories in upcoming matches as well.

I won't question Phil Foden red card but City's squad was a bit weak due to the absence of a player but they continued to play as aggressively as they could. Manchester United were more aggressive in scoring goals but City's defence thwarted most of their attempts. Erling Haaland's goal was the deciding factor in the match, although it was ruled offside but the goal was awarded with the help of VAR. Manchester City fought for almost 70 minutes with a player less and won, which was an incredible achievement for the team. The confidence in the players made to win the match against United.

[TedMosby]

[...]
“Bad luck” is a fitting way to describe the reality of the Manchester derby. Overall, Manchester United played at a high level, but in my opinion, their weakness lay in their attacks from the right and left flanks. On the left, Rashford lacked a clear purpose in his attacks. His attempts often came to nothing once he was in front of Manchester City’s goal.
Mbeumo also didn’t perform at his best in terms of creating attacks. Carrick should have substituted these two players earlier, since Manchester United already had Cunha and Bruno—players focused on scoring—once Sesko was brought in.
Mainoo and Tielemans didn’t seem to function well, even though they played quite well in the midfield; however, due to the overload of attacking players, Mainoo and Tielemans were confused by the movements of Rashford and Mbeumo.

Comparing the XG, Man United has a lower XG than Man City, which is 1.00 : 1.10, 16 total shots, only 3 on target. A very very bad stats. Man United seems to often struggle when they look like they are dominating a game. They seem like they don't know where to pass or how to create a chance in the final third. Last season, they played well with counter attacks. But now, most of their opponents seem to only wait for Man United players to make a personal error, then do the counter attack.

I keep saying Man United needs a destroyer like Doku, who can break the defense and opponents' fixed positions to give space for other players to do off ball movement. Amad usually works, but he's still injured. I like him when he is partnered with Mbeumo a bit on the right side, like 2 inverted players on the right. Wish Amad a fast recovery.

And BTW, up next Man United has a tough opponent in the EFL Cup, which is Brighton. They scored 13 goals in their last 4 EPL matches. It's a big alarm for Man United. I don't think United can handle this, even though the odds seem to be favoring Man United to win the match. I'm expecting over 3.5 for this match.

[Ruttoshi]

I won't question Phil Foden red card but City's squad was a bit weak due to the absence of a player but they continued to play as aggressively as they could. Manchester United were more aggressive in scoring goals but City's defence thwarted most of their attempts. Erling Haaland's goal was the deciding factor in the match, although it was ruled offside but the goal was awarded with the help of VAR. Manchester City fought for almost 70 minutes with a player less and won, which was an incredible achievement for the team. The confidence in the players made to win the match against United.

It was a big moment for Manchester City and Haaland yesterday, because they went to Old Trafford and defeated the red devils with a man down. What a brilliant performance to maintain the top spot on the table.

Manchester United was too confident in themselves and believe that they're going to win the game since City is playing with short one but everything happened like a dream when Manchester City took the lead and ended up defeating them away from home.

[Jostern]

I just saw a news on X from Fabrizio Romano about the controversial goal scored in this Manchester Derby by Haaland as also reported by Sky news . After causing the harm, the referring body Pro Ref has confirmed that the onfield decision was an error in judgement and also noting that it was wrong not to accept an onfield review to clear the situation. Now they have sent an official statement to Manchester United about the situation.

Now my question is, will the goal be withdrawn and one point given to Manchester United or is this another way of causing media uproar among fans? The VAR system is really not working if it can not be used to appropriately establish if a goal is an offside before giving the goal. A comment in the post claimed that England uses the VAR system to fix games. How true is this and what's your view about the entire situation?

Personally I don’t like the way officiating is done in the Premier League, most especially in big games like the one we witnessed yesterday, this English officiating teams are always making mistakes, which is why they’re not very regarded in Europe, you see Foreign Coaches complaining about their officiating in Europe, every spectator saw that was an obvious offside, I was watching from my home I saw the clear offside from Enzo Fernandez who was in an offside position, and Haaland was also in an offside positions, the rules is easy to understand, the linesman saw the obvious offside, but the incompetent VAR decided to change the decision probably he might be a Manchester City Fan, now you’re making an apology, are they going to reverse the decision? Would they take the point from Manchester City, it’s a grate injustice to Manchester United I don’t like injustice, I think this officiating teams that makes the horrendous decisions should be punished, apology isn’t enough, Apology doesn’t provide solutions to this problem, they should be loosing their jobs, so other officiating teams would learn from it.

[Plutomanian]

It was a big moment for Manchester City and Haaland yesterday, because they went to Old Trafford and defeated the red devils with a man down. What a brilliant performance to maintain the top spot on the table.

Manchester United was too confident in themselves and believe that they're going to win the game since City is playing with short one but everything happened like a dream when Manchester City took the lead and ended up defeating them away from home.

This is the first time that Manchester United are losing to 10 men on the pitch. It happen to them against Everton last season and also Newcastle, this new season, it have already happen to them with Manchester City having a red card in the early minutes of the first half. What's actually wrong with Manchester United? How do oppositions do get away with a win after going 10 men? It's horrendous if you ask me.

The Red Devils headcoach, Michael Carrick still have a load of work to do at Old Trafford because this team can barely compete for the UEFEA Champions League this season not to talk of been competitive in the English premier League. They're struggling to win games and their position on the EPL doesn't look good if you ask me.

About yesterday Manchester derby, the Citizens played football as if they were complete on the pitch with missing chances and also been very effective in the game, Manchester United didn't dominated as we all expected. Accolades goes to Erling Haaland, Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca for not panicking and maintaining the tempo of the game.

[SatoPrincess]

I think 3 games in the premier league is much too early to judge the patience of the team or the fans. Especially if we do think of this team as a struggling team. Carrick did well to revamp the team to some progress last season, got them in the UCL and they are still a dream to be reckoned with in the EPL.

Darby games always comes with a different vibe and regardless of whom might be considered favorites, nothing ever proves to be what it seems in a Derby.

The red card situation should have presented them a real opportunity to get something out of this match, it came really early and for them to have played an entire 70 minutes against a 10 man Manchester City without a goal, that’s rather discouraging but, we’ve got to applaud the ingenuity of Manchester City.

Ohh Yes We Can. Manchester United had the home advantage and also were a man up for 70 minutes, I say they earned the right to be judged. After their shambolic performance against Hull City and Everton, their fans still me believing that Manchester United only show up in big games so I was expecting a show in the derby but United were not up to the task. Not going to be surprised if there are comments saying it’s harder to play 10 men team lol.

[Marvelockg]

I won't question Phil Foden red card but City's squad was a bit weak due to the absence of a player but they continued to play as aggressively as they could. Manchester United were more aggressive in scoring goals but City's defence thwarted most of their attempts. Erling Haaland's goal was the deciding factor in the match, although it was ruled offside but the goal was awarded with the help of VAR. Manchester City fought for almost 70 minutes with a player less and won, which was an incredible achievement for the team. The confidence in the players made to win the match against United.

Manchester United was too confident in themselves and believe that they're going to win the game since City is playing with short one but everything happened like a dream when Manchester City took the lead and ended up defeating them away from home.

In football mentality makes all the different and and Manchester city have always been a stubborn side when it comes to bowing out even if things seams to be against them. we have to then look at how Enzo was able to get a win in this game with the Manchester city play. imagine that Chelsea are in the ones in this kind of situation under maresca? it would have been a straight loss for them but with the players in city that has played under pep that is a strong fighter, i knew Manchester united will have to be exceptionally brutal to take a point from this game. unfortunately, the home advantage didn't have a positive effect in this game in any way.

[Saltysugar99]

I won't question Phil Foden red card but City's squad was a bit weak due to the absence of a player but they continued to play as aggressively as they could. Manchester United were more aggressive in scoring goals but City's defence thwarted most of their attempts. Erling Haaland's goal was the deciding factor in the match, although it was ruled offside but the goal was awarded with the help of VAR. Manchester City fought for almost 70 minutes with a player less and won, which was an incredible achievement for the team. The confidence in the players made to win the match against United.

It was a big moment for Manchester City and Haaland yesterday, because they went to Old Trafford and defeated the red devils with a man down. What a brilliant performance to maintain the top spot on the table.

Manchester United was too confident in themselves and believe that they're going to win the game since City is playing with short one but everything happened like a dream when Manchester City took the lead and ended up defeating them away from home.

Manchester City were one player short from the start, so Manchester United had plenty of opportunities and took advantage of the opportunity and had a few shots but ultimately they didn't score. It was their misfortune that they couldn't win this match with Manchester City where they had enough chances to win the match well. Haaland contribution was so important in this match of winning. City couldn't create many attacking chances, but Haaland converted it into a goal scorer after receiving only convenient cross. I thought that Manchester City would win this match and that's why I bet on City. I was really disappointed when the red card was shown. But after the match ended, Manchester City ultimately won.

[Nheer]

It was a big moment for Manchester City and Haaland yesterday, because they went to Old Trafford and defeated the red devils with a man down. What a brilliant performance to maintain the top spot on the table.

Manchester United was too confident in themselves and believe that they're going to win the game since City is playing with short one but everything happened like a dream when Manchester City took the lead and ended up defeating them away from home.

It's not a big deal anymore winning at Old Trafford, even smaller teams have had victories at the stadium but the only surprise was winning with a man down almost very early in the game and United could do nothing about it.
Who else noticed City under Maresca has lower conceding rate and also lower scoring rate. This is just the way of Maresca, being more defensive conscious and then having Haaland gives them the advantage.
United allowing City score first was the mistake, they shouldn't have let that happen, maybe they are not aware of Maresca defensive ability. After the goal I knew it was City's win to take. No one United get a goal, not with the way they play.

[Shussainshah]

I won't question Phil Foden red card but City's squad was a bit weak due to the absence of a player but they continued to play as aggressively as they could. Manchester United were more aggressive in scoring goals but City's defence thwarted most of their attempts. Erling Haaland's goal was the deciding factor in the match, although it was ruled offside but the goal was awarded with the help of VAR. Manchester City fought for almost 70 minutes with a player less and won, which was an incredible achievement for the team. The confidence in the players made to win the match against United.

It was a big moment for Manchester City and Haaland yesterday, because they went to Old Trafford and defeated the red devils with a man down. What a brilliant performance to maintain the top spot on the table.

Manchester United was too confident in themselves and believe that they're going to win the game since City is playing with short one but everything happened like a dream when Manchester City took the lead and ended up defeating them away from home.

Manchester City were one player short from the start, so Manchester United had plenty of opportunities and took advantage of the opportunity and had a few shots but ultimately they didn't score. It was their misfortune that they couldn't win this match with Manchester City where they had enough chances to win the match well. Haaland contribution was so important in this match of winning. City couldn't create many attacking chances, but Haaland converted it into a goal scorer after receiving only convenient cross. I thought that Manchester City would win this match and that's why I bet on City. I was really disappointed when the red card was shown. But after the match ended, Manchester City ultimately won.

Manchester City look weak under Enzo Maresca I don't know if you agree that's but with 11 man Manchester City didn't create that's much chances and after the red card of Phil foden they look more weaker then ever but unfortunate for Manchester United they lost that's game and the goal Haaland scored was also a Offside goal if you closely look at that's goal. But this Manchester City team need some changes otherwise the season is long and they will face alot of problems when the season get heated at mid season.  On the other side Manchester United is not in a comeback mode they want to survive this season only every club are preparing himself for the comeback but Manchester United has other plan Haha.

[Abbatty]

It was a big moment for Manchester City and Haaland yesterday, because they went to Old Trafford and defeated the red devils with a man down. What a brilliant performance to maintain the top spot on the table.

Manchester United was too confident in themselves and believe that they're going to win the game since City is playing with short one but everything happened like a dream when Manchester City took the lead and ended up defeating them away from home.

It's not a big deal anymore winning at Old Trafford, even smaller teams have had victories at the stadium but the only surprise was winning with a man down almost very early in the game and United could do nothing about it.
Who else noticed City under Maresca has lower conceding rate and also lower scoring rate. This is just the way of Maresca, being more defensive conscious and then having Haaland gives them the advantage.
United allowing City score first was the mistake, they shouldn't have let that happen, maybe they are not aware of Maresca defensive ability. After the goal I knew it was City's win to take. No one United get a goal, not with the way they play.

That it mate, Enzo Maresca is a very defensive caution kind of coach, he his very similar to Arteta kind of football. They really did well, for Maresca to win his first Manchester derby, at Old trafford it really a good one. Well I feel if that red card was not given I have that feeling that we will see more goals yesterday. The match I’m really looking forward to is to see Manchester city play against Arsenal in the league.

Currently only 2 teams have a 100 percent start of the season, both Arsenal and Manchester city remain unbeaten in the league. It was a good game and maybe if Rashford free kick had score we would have seen a different game. Good one from Manchester city.

[Qhunman]

Manchester City look weak under Enzo Maresca I don't know if you agree that's but with 11 man Manchester City didn't create that's much chances and after the red card of Phil foden they look more weaker then ever but unfortunate for Manchester United they lost that's game and the goal Haaland scored was also a Offside goal if you closely look at that's goal. But this Manchester City team need some changes otherwise the season is long and they will face alot of problems when the season get heated at mid season.  On the other side Manchester United is not in a comeback mode they want to survive this season only every club are preparing himself for the comeback but Manchester United has other plan Haha.

Since this is your opinion about the match, that's not a big deal but I disagree with you that manchester city looks weak under maresca,the outcome of this match won't have been any different if guardiola was still their around. Manchester city were 1 player short but they still manage to beat Manchester united, i don't think guardiola could have won the match better than what maresca did, so maresca did well. If manchester city has become weaker like you claim, then they wouldn't have walk away with all three points at old trafford,so they haven't become weak under maresca.
However,the team that is gradually becoming weak this season is Manchester united,and they are the ones who should be getting this criticism and not city, this is because they lost at home despite that their were playing with their complete squad against city that were a player down.

[püsür]

I just saw a news on X from Fabrizio Romano about the controversial goal scored in this Manchester Derby by Haaland as also reported by Sky news . After causing the harm, the referring body Pro Ref has confirmed that the onfield decision was an error in judgement and also noting that it was wrong not to accept an onfield review to clear the situation. Now they have sent an official statement to Manchester United about the situation.

Now my question is, will the goal be withdrawn and one point given to Manchester United or is this another way of causing media uproar among fans? The VAR system is really not working if it can not be used to appropriately establish if a goal is an offside before giving the goal. A comment in the post claimed that England uses the VAR system to fix games. How true is this and what's your view about the entire situation?

Although the on-pitch referees made the correct decision, VAR intervened and ruled the offside goal valid. In other words, VAR—which was introduced to eliminate refereeing errors—spent five minutes reviewing the incident and, in plain sight, turned the correct decision into a wrong one. This suggests that the VAR officials were wrong about the rules. It is a complete scandal. Such a situation is unacceptable at this level because it is not so much a matter of error as it is the referees’ failure to know the rules and apply them correctly. What difference does an apology make now? As Mikel Arteta said the other day, decisions of this nature are of such a nature that they could even affect the season. Under these circumstances, it would normally have been impossible for City to take three points from this match with ten men from that point onwards, but the referees effectively gifted them the result.

[WatChe]

It was a big moment for Manchester City and Haaland yesterday, because they went to Old Trafford and defeated the red devils with a man down. What a brilliant performance to maintain the top spot on the table.

Manchester United was too confident in themselves and believe that they're going to win the game since City is playing with short one but everything happened like a dream when Manchester City took the lead and ended up defeating them away from home.

Man city was reduced to 10 men squad in 23rd minute of the game after Phil Foden was shown a red card. Despite that Man City scored a goal in 60th minute and they also never allowed United to score a goal. Man City has given a signal, which is loud and clear that they are very serious in winning the title this time and won't settle as runner up. Man United unable to beat a ten men squad at their home venue is an indication that they are not prepared to beat top teams of the league. 

[Oluwa-btc]

I think 3 games in the premier league is much too early to judge the patience of the team or the fans. Especially if we do think of this team as a struggling team. Carrick did well to revamp the team to some progress last season, got them in the UCL and they are still a dream to be reckoned with in the EPL.

Darby games always comes with a different vibe and regardless of whom might be considered favorites, nothing ever proves to be what it seems in a Derby.

The red card situation should have presented them a real opportunity to get something out of this match, it came really early and for them to have played an entire 70 minutes against a 10 man Manchester City without a goal, that’s rather discouraging but, we’ve got to applaud the ingenuity of Manchester City.

What fvckery! 3 games is too much?! This is how you know that Manchester United fans have officially accepted the low standards. The same Manchester United fans who criticised Ruben Amorim when he accumulated 3-4 points in 4 games at the beginning of the season, they're the same fans accepting and defending Michael Carrick after accumulation of the same points in four games. We should be at the top of the league just like Manchester City and Arsenal, but look at us, down below.

Playing one man short can be difficult, I have said the same thing yesterday, and I'll say just that again. It is the reason why I said Manchester City deserved the win. Thry earned it.

[Juicyhome]

Man city was reduced to 10 men squad in 23rd minute of the game after Phil Foden was shown a red card. Despite that Man City scored a goal in 60th minute and they also never allowed United to score a goal. Man City has given a signal, which is loud and clear that they are very serious in winning the title this time and won't settle as runner up. Man United unable to beat a ten men squad at their home venue is an indication that they are not prepared to beat top teams of the league. 

Have told my Manchester United brothers never to put hope in this squad and management it was a terrible result yesterday,  with 10 men Manchester city was still a better side, playing like they are 11 on the field against Manchester United,  they defeated them in the second legs last season under Pep. 

They is absolutely no excuse , Michael Carrick should take fu responsibility for this lost, I don't know why Bruno Fernandes will be playing every day even when he has a bad game, Enzo Fernandes outplayed Bruno Fernandes in the midfield yesterday,  Bruno Fernandes was no where to be found. This season Manchester united will struggle to finish top 4 again, this club will never recover until the management allow the coach to sign players, sacking Carrick won't change anything we have changed many coaches and nothing changes.  United fans limit your expectations form these boys.

[asriloni]

And BTW, up next Man United has a tough opponent in the EFL Cup, which is Brighton. They scored 13 goals in their last 4 EPL matches. It's a big alarm for Man United. I don't think United can handle this, even though the odds seem to be favoring Man United to win the match. I'm expecting over 3.5 for this match.

I'm holding Brighton to send MU back to their home. Brighton's team is just in a higher level compared to the MU. 13 goals from 4 games is the evidence. The way they control midfield, they way they converted their chances, and also the way they are defending is impressive.

I don't wanna be a stupid guy who is delutional enough to believe Carrick's garbage team to win the game. There is no 2nd chance for EFL. Brighton is winning this with at least three goals scored.

The logic is that if you have a team who can't beat opponent's team who played with 10 players, how can you beat a team with 11 players and have better statistic overall this time?

Mu can only rely upon their luck. If they lose, i believe their fans will boo them in old trafford. It's time to say #CarrickOUT.

[bangjoe]

It was a big moment for Manchester City and Haaland yesterday, because they went to Old Trafford and defeated the red devils with a man down. What a brilliant performance to maintain the top spot on the table.

Manchester United was too confident in themselves and believe that they're going to win the game since City is playing with short one but everything happened like a dream when Manchester City took the lead and ended up defeating them away from home.

Man city was reduced to 10 men squad in 23rd minute of the game after Phil Foden was shown a red card. Despite that Man City scored a goal in 60th minute and they also never allowed United to score a goal. Man City has given a signal, which is loud and clear that they are very serious in winning the title this time and won't settle as runner up. Man United unable to beat a ten men squad at their home venue is an indication that they are not prepared to beat top teams of the league. 

To be honest I was disappointed with Phil Foden, why he took that kick to Bruno, yes I understand he may have been emotional because he was sledging so hard but he shouldn't have settled his emotions in such a way that he was sent off, if he had done it in a more elegant but painful way like stealing the same opportunity another time it wouldn't have earned him a red card.

If Foden hadn't been sent off I think Man City could have won the game a lot better in this manchester Derby, that's my hope, but fortunately even though they have 10 players but they can score goals through Haaland which brings victory well.

Yes man United they don't have that ability yet because from what we see the lack of one path doesn't open up much of a gap at Man City, it's their emergency strategy when they lose one player.

[Chilwell]

I won't question Phil Foden red card but City's squad was a bit weak due to the absence of a player but they continued to play as aggressively as they could. Manchester United were more aggressive in scoring goals but City's defence thwarted most of their attempts. Erling Haaland's goal was the deciding factor in the match, although it was ruled offside but the goal was awarded with the help of VAR. Manchester City fought for almost 70 minutes with a player less and won, which was an incredible achievement for the team. The confidence in the players made to win the match against United.

It was a big moment for Manchester City and Haaland yesterday, because they went to Old Trafford and defeated the red devils with a man down. What a brilliant performance to maintain the top spot on the table.

Manchester United was too confident in themselves and believe that they're going to win the game since City is playing with short one but everything happened like a dream when Manchester City took the lead and ended up defeating them away from home.

I was so surprised to see the match ended in that manner, immediately after the red card, I feel very confident that Manchester United will win this match without any stress, what gave me hope was even the player that receive the red card, Phil Foden is a very good player for Manchester City that if he is absent the usually miss him that was why I feel bad for Manchester City yesterday and I was happy for Manchester United that they will be able to win easily.

At the end of the match when I saw the result because I could not be able to watch it to the end I thought Manchester United will make you talk but unfortunately Manchester City did absolutely well to secure their three points, this was a big surprise to me honestly, Manchester United really have to buckle up so that they could be able to recover from their losses.

[Umulala-alala]

What an interesting Manchester derby that was and disappointing at the same time...

Only 1 goal in the whole match. When Foden got that red card I thought Manchester United would use it to their favor but they were just horrible. All those attempts but not even creating many big chances.

Is this the curse of Rashford?    We don't see the same team from the part which Carrick took over last season. They are really struggling.

A truly unexpected result.
Given that Foden received a red card in the 23rd minute, Manchester United should have been able to capitalize on the situation. However, they failed to do so and squandered several chances.
In my opinion, Carrick had prepared a solid strategy, but they were up against a strong team bolstered by high-quality players. I look forward to Manchester United's next steps under Carrick and hope for positive changes, considering the poor start to the season they have endured.

Seriously the way this match ended was so expected. I was hoping that Manchester United would win this one as well, especially how they played very well at the early stages of the match.  They appeared more energetic and were putting pressure on Manchester City, so I felt that they were going to take control of the game sooner or later. That is why how this match ended was very surprising to, and I don't know if I should say that this man city win was a thing about luck though.

But at the end of the day that is football for you, and gaining the lead or imposing pressure doesn't always mean that things will fall into place as you would expect.

It's never something of luck and nothing surprising in it, Man united didn't play as team that wants to win, carrick need to do something fast his game plan is not working this season as of last season, if he fails to come up with something good soon am afraid he will be sack.

Out of 4 matches played this season Man united only just won 1 out of it, ok yesterday were supposed to draw Man city if they couldn't win them because city already have a red in the HT which is meant to be an opportunity to either win Man city or end the match draw, am very disappointed with Michael carrick this wasn't what Man united fans were expecting from him.