Man Utd equal worst Premier League start after losing to 10-man Man City
Manchester United failed to beat 10-man Manchester City at Old Trafford, losing 1-0 to Erling Haaland's controversial winner. Refereeing body Pro Ref later admitted an error in awarding the goal, and United have received an apology over the incorrect VAR decision. The result leaves United with four points from four games, matching their worst Premier League start.
- Match: Manchester United 0-1 Manchester City
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Competition: Premier League
- Key moment: Phil Foden sent off early in the first half; Erling Haaland scored the controversial winner
- Standings impact: United have four points from four games, equalling their worst Premier League start
- Next fixture: Fulham vs Manchester United, Sunday, live on Sky Sports
What was said
"Michael Carrick can be angry about the goal but he should also be angry about the performance."
"It was an awful last 10 minutes from an experience perspective for Manchester United because that's where you think, to be fair, you throw the kitchen sink at it, and you're building the crowd up and the pressure up and it's a pressure cooker and you get a goal."
"It was a bad day for Manchester United, it really was."
"You're losing a derby, it's a shocking day anyway. I've lost derbies myself, it's awful, but then to not score a goal against 10 men is not what I expected today. I expected goals from Manchester United."
"It is early but there are some concerning signs. They're not playing well in matches and they're also struggling in matches."
"Even the game against Ipswich; Ipswich were good for 55 minutes and caused big problems. They could have scored two or three, so there's some questions building."
"Next Sunday against Fulham, that becomes a real pressure game now because obviously Fulham have not started the season that well."
Neville's comments capture a mood of frustration around Old Trafford. He is not simply bemoaning the VAR error that allowed Haaland's goal to stand; he is questioning United's ability to control a match even when the opposition is a man down. For a club of United's stature, failing to beat 10 men at home is a serious flaw.
The former United captain also highlighted a recurring theme: United have now lost three games in the last year to 10 men, including a 1-0 defeat to Everton last season following Idrissa Gana Gueye's red card at Old Trafford. That pattern suggests a deeper issue with game management and composure, not just bad luck.
The numbers
- 4 — points United have from four games
- 3 — defeats to 10-man teams in the last year (including Everton last season)
- 1-0 — scoreline of the Manchester derby
- 55 — minutes Ipswich were good for, according to Neville
Carrick's identical record to Amorim
Michael Carrick's record after four games is identical to Ruben Amorim's at the same point last season. That statistic will do little to ease concerns among supporters. While it is still early in the campaign, the pressure is mounting, and Neville acknowledges that there are already worrying signs. United have struggled to impose themselves in matches, and the inability to break down a 10-man City side raises questions about tactical flexibility and attacking cohesion.
Carrick can point to the contentious nature of City's winner, but the broader performance will be scrutinised. The last 10 minutes, as Neville noted, lacked the urgency and quality expected when chasing a goal against a depleted opponent. The crowd at Old Trafford sensed an opportunity, but United failed to convert pressure into clear chances.
Talking points
- Should Carrick bear the brunt of the criticism, or is the squad's mentality the real problem?
- How much does the VAR apology matter if United still failed to score against 10 men?
- Is four points from four games a crisis, or is it too early to judge?
- Can United afford to drop points against Fulham on Sunday?
What happens next
United travel to Fulham on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. With Fulham struggling at the start of the season, Neville believes the match becomes a real pressure game for Carrick. Anything less than a convincing performance could intensify the spotlight on the manager. The international break may offer a brief respite, but the Premier League table already makes uncomfortable reading for United fans.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Manchester United vs Manchester City?
Manchester City won 1-0 at Old Trafford, with Erling Haaland scoring the only goal. Phil Foden was sent off for City early in the first half.
Did VAR make a mistake in the Manchester derby?
Yes, refereeing body Pro Ref admitted an error in awarding Manchester City's winner, stating that the VAR should have recommended an on-field review. United have received an apology over the incorrect decision.
How many points do Manchester United have after four games?
Manchester United have four points from four games, matching their worst start to a Premier League season. Michael Carrick's record is identical to Ruben Amorim's at this point last season.
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