Wayne Rooney disagreed with the red card decision against Foden, saying the Manchester City midfielder's action against Bruno Fernandes "was more like a slap or a gesture than a deliberate kick in retaliation."

The first major controversy of the derby occurred in the 23rd minute. In his third Premier League start this season, Foden went down near the touchline and reacted excessively after being kicked in the lower back by Fernandes.

Slow-motion replays showed Foden kicked Fernandes in the stomach with both feet. Referee Michael Oliver showed no hesitation, immediately producing a red card and sending Foden off. Manchester United gained the numerical advantage, which gave Enzo Maresca's City team an uphill battle in the second half at Old Trafford.

On Foden's dismissal, Rooney commented: "This shouldn't be a red card.

It's like a slap, an emotional physical reaction, not a malicious kick."

However, in his commentary on Sky Sports, Rooney's former teammate Gary Neville was less sympathetic to Foden. He said: "Oh, Foden lost it there. VAR will review it, and you can see Foden retaliating, kicking directly at the opponent's stomach. He can't escape this red card."

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