Manchester United have taken an early advantage in their Manchester Derby encounter against Manchester City on Sunday (September 13) at Old Trafford.

Although the score remains goalless for now, United have a man advantage as City are down to ten men, after Phil Foden was shown a red card.

Why was Phil Foden shown a Red Card?

In the 23rd minute, Manchester City’s Phil Foden was shown a straight red card after lashing out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

After a coming together, Foden was on the ground from a Bruno challenge, but while on the ground, Foden threw a leg at the Man United captain. The action, deemed violent by the referee, saw Foden getting a straight Red Card. VAR had a look, and it confirmed the decision, upholding the England international’s marching orders. VAR deemed the throw of the leg dangerous as it was around the rib area of Bruno Fernandes.

Should Bruno Fernandes have been Sent Off?

The replay showed that Bruno Fernandes was the first person to instigate the kick. While Foden was down, the Manchester United skipper kicked at his back, albeit a soft one. As a result of that, Foden extended his leg at Bruno and got sent off.

The commentator Andy Townsend argued the Man United captain’s subtle act was equally bad and opined the Portuguese was ‘very lucky’ to escape a Red card. Interestingly, the VAR completely missed out Fernandes’ initiation, which led to Foden’s reaction.

First Red Card in a Decade

Phil Foden’s red card is the first in a Manchester derby in a decade. The last player to get sent off in this fixture was former Man United midfielder Marouane Fellaini.