The Norwegian tapped in Josko Gvardiol's deflected cross in the 60th minute, but the goal sparked a lengthy VAR review after he was initially flagged offside.

Haaland was eventually cleared, with VAR ruling that he had been in an onside position when the ball was played. Enzo Fernandez, who had also moved towards the cross while in an offside position, was deemed not to have interfered with play.

The decision left United furious, particularly after City had been reduced to 10 men for more than an hour.

Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. The United captain had fouled Foden while the City midfielder was on the ground before Foden retaliated, throwing both legs towards Fernandes.

City protested the dismissal, but VAR backed referee Michael Oliver's decision.

United subsequently enjoyed periods of pressure but failed to make their numerical advantage count. Marcus Rashford struck the post with a free-kick before Kobbie Mainoo also hit the woodwork shortly after half-time.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was also called into action late on, making an excellent stoppage-time save to deny Bryan Mbeumo after Fernandes had played him through.

City had threatened despite being a man down, with Rayan Cherki seeing an effort blocked and Fernandez later going close when his 20-yard strike was pushed onto the post by Senne Lammens.

Haaland should also have added a second after connecting with a dangerous Fernandez free-kick, but City were ultimately able to withstand United's late pressure.

The victory gives Maresca a major early statement in his first season following Pep Guardiola's departure, with City continuing their perfect league start and moving level with Arsenal on 12 points.

For United, it was another damaging result. They remain on four points from their opening four matches and sit 13th after suffering their third dropped result of the campaign.

The defeat came against a backdrop of supporter anger over the club's handling of its ticket-touting investigation. A banner displayed at Old Trafford read: "The way you treat us is a disgrace."

Maresca celebrated wildly at the final whistle, racing towards the visiting supporters after City had secured a derby victory despite spending more than 70 minutes a player short.

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