Enzo Maresca claimed he celebrated early for Erling Haaland’s controversial winner for 10-man Manchester City in the derby at Old Trafford as he knew it was not offside.

Haaland secured a 1-0 victory for City over arch rivals Manchester United, which maintained their perfect Premier League start under Maresca, as he netted the game’s only goal on the hour mark, steering Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross to the far post into the top-left corner.

That goal was just reward for the way in which City adapted to going down to 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking Bruno Fernandes in the stomach in the 23rd minute.

It looked as if it would not be allowed to stand as the offside flag cut short Haaland’s celebrations. However, a lengthy VAR check deemed Haaland was being played onside by Patrick Dorgu. Enzo Fernandez, who was offside and only narrowly failed to make contact with Gvardiol’s delivery, was ruled to not have interfered with play.

While that decision left managerial counterpart Michael Carrick “confused”, City boss Maresca insisted it was obvious the goal was going to be allowed to stand.

“It was completely clear that the goal was not offside,” Maresca told Sky Sports. “In the moment I was told by the fourth official, I celebrated early, because I knew.”

Maresca heaped praise on the performance of City’s record signing Fernandez, and also had plenty of plaudits for goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who produced a brilliant save to deny Bryan Mbeumo late on after he was played through by Fernandes.

“Enzo Fernandez was unbelievable today and it was a nice for him to help us get the win,” Maresca added.

“And oh my God, the save. That’s why Donnarumma’s here. That’s why we bought him because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.”

But the Italian took issue with referee Michael Oliver’s decision to only send Foden off following his altercation with Fernandes.

Foden kicked out at Fernandes after the Portuguese appeared to foul him and then kick the City forward while he was on the ground.

Maresca felt both infractions could be considered red card offences.

“The decision can be a red card for Foden,” he said. “But in the same action, it can be a red card for Bruno because he also kicks Phil.”