Maresca Responds to Haaland Goal Controversy

Enzo Maresca is not in the mood to talk about one freeze-frame from Old Trafford.

The Manchester City manager bristled at the focus on Erling Haaland’s controversial goal in Sunday’s derby defeat to Manchester United, insisting the story of the game lay in his team’s response to playing a man down for the bulk of the afternoon.

“To talk about one moment after that game when we played for 70, 75 minutes with 10 players is quite poor,” he said. “I think the performance was unbelievable and I’m pleased.”

City’s fury centres on Haaland’s strike being allowed to stand, but Maresca quickly widened the lens. For him, this was not just about one decision; it was about a pattern.

Old wounds, no apology

Maresca reached straight for a grievance that has lingered at the club for more than a year – Marcus Rashford’s highly debated involvement in a United goal against City in 2023, when he was deemed not to be interfering with play despite clearly moving towards the ball.

“Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you,” Maresca said. “Three years ago when I was here happened the exact same against Manchester United. The goal was not a regular goal and no one apologised. We are still waiting for the apology for that.”

The message was clear: City feel they have been here before, and they do not expect contrition now either.

Foden’s flashpoint and fallout

If the Haaland incident lit the debate outside the dressing room, Phil Foden’s red card was the moment that reshaped Maresca’s plans inside it.

The England international walked for a rash reaction in the derby, leaving City to fight with 10 men. Foden knew instantly he had made a mess of it.

“At half-time he was upset and sad because he knew it was something wrong,” Maresca revealed. “After the game he was a bit more relieved and happy. Yesterday he was very good. He knows that the reaction was probably not a good one but it is finished and we move on.”

Move on they must, but the cost is significant. Foden now misses the League Cup tie against Norwich, plus league clashes with Sunderland and Liverpool.

“It’s a big one,” Maresca admitted. “He was doing well with us. He started quite well [before his red card]. Now he is out tomorrow and for Sunderland and Liverpool. Then he is back again.”

City are still weighing up whether to appeal the decision. For now, Maresca has to plan without one of his most influential players.

Chance for the squad to speak

Foden’s absence forces rotation, but Maresca insists this was coming anyway. Early in the season, with a near-clean bill of health, competition for places is fierce. That will not last.

“The ones that are going to play, I’m sure that they are going to play important games, in the Premier League or Champions League,” he said. “Now it’s early season with no injuries or suspended players. In November, December, January and February, with the amount of games, we will need rest.”

The subtext is obvious: this is not a throwaway cup night; it is an audition.

“The players that are going to play tomorrow, it’s an opportunity for them to get better and better. At some point we need them.”

League Cup not an afterthought

Maresca’s stance on the League Cup is blunt. It is not a distraction, not a training exercise, not a place to hide.

“One more competition,” he said. “We need to compete in all of the competitions. We will try our best and we will see where we finish.”

He has long argued that facing Premier League opposition in the cups sharpens his team. That view has not softened.

Asked if he still prefers top-flight opponents in knockout ties, he did not hesitate: “Absolutely. They are all tricky games, different games. We need to do our job in the right way and I have no doubt it will be a tricky game for many reasons.”

The derby anger will linger, the sense of injustice won’t vanish overnight, and the “apology” he mentions is unlikely ever to arrive. But the calendar does not pause for bruised feelings. Norwich, Sunderland, Liverpool – and a long winter of games – are already closing in, and Maresca expects his squad to answer with performances, not complaints.