Phil Foden responded to Manchester United fans by making a 1-0 gesture after Man City’s controversial derby victory, despite being sent off in the first half.

Phil Foden mocks Man Utd fans after controversial Manchester derby win

Phil Foden appeared to have the final laugh at Old Trafford after responding to Manchester United supporters with a 1-0 gesture following Manchester City’s derby victory.

The City star had already been sent off during a dramatic first half.

But despite playing with 10 men for more than an hour, City still won the match through Erling Haaland’s second-half goal.

After the final whistle, Foden made sure the United fans knew the final score.

Foden responds to Man Utd supporters

Foden was seen leaving Old Trafford after the match when he received boos and comments from a group of Manchester United fans.

Some supporters reportedly called him a “cheat” following his red card earlier in the game.

Foden responded by smiling and holding up his fingers to show the score: 1-0.

He continued making the gesture as he walked away.

It was a simple message.

Foden may have been sent off, but Manchester City still won the derby.

Foden had been sent off in the first half

The moment came after a difficult personal evening for the England international.

Foden was shown a red card in the 23rd minute following an incident involving Bruno Fernandes.

VAR checked the decision and the dismissal stood.

That left City with 10 men and gave United a major opportunity to take control of the derby.

Instead, Pep Guardiola’s side survived the pressure and eventually found the winning goal.

Haaland gives City the lead

Erling Haaland scored in the second half to put Manchester City 1-0 ahead.

The Norwegian’s goal eventually became the only goal of the match.

United pushed for an equaliser but could not find one.

City therefore completed a huge away victory despite playing most of the game with one player fewer.

That result gave Foden the perfect answer to the supporters who were shouting towards him after the final whistle.

But Haaland’s goal became a major controversy

The story did not end when the match finished.

Haaland’s winning goal later became the centre of a major VAR controversy.

Haaland himself was found to be onside.

However, Enzo Fernández was standing in an offside position and moved towards the ball during the same attack.

VAR decided that Fernández had not interfered with play because he did not touch the ball.

That decision allowed the goal to stand.

Pro Ref later admits a VAR error

After the match, refereeing body Pro Ref admitted that VAR should have handled the incident differently.

Pro Ref said VAR had made an “error of judgement” by failing to properly consider the impact Fernández had on Lisandro Martínez.

The organisation also said referee Michael Oliver should have been advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

That never happened.

Haaland’s goal stood and Manchester City won 1-0.

Foden’s 1-0 gesture now has an extra twist

That makes Foden’s response to the United fans even more controversial.

He used the 1-0 scoreline to mock the home supporters, but the only goal of the match was later linked to an admitted VAR mistake.

Of course, the result will not change.

Manchester City still keep the victory and all three Premier League points.

But the referee controversy has added another layer to an already dramatic derby.

Foden praises his teammates after the game

Foden’s reaction on social media was very different from his gesture towards the crowd.

He praised Manchester City’s team performance and admitted he was disappointed that his red card meant he could not help the team as much as he wanted.

City had to defend for a long period with 10 men, making the victory even more impressive from their point of view.

Foden’s personal night, however, remains much more complicated.

A derby full of controversy

The Manchester derby produced almost everything.

A red card for Foden.

A controversial Haaland winner.

A VAR decision later criticised by the referees’ body.

And Foden responding to United supporters with a 1-0 gesture after the final whistle.

Manchester City left Old Trafford with the points.

Foden left with his own message for the home fans.

But after Pro Ref admitted an error in the move that produced the winner, the debate around this Manchester derby is unlikely to end anytime soon.