Man Utd fans blast 'biased ref' as Man City boost Premier League title hopes with crucial derby win

Rashford opened the scoring for United in the eighth minute, with the England international smashing a spectacular effort into the top corner.

But Phil Foden netted for City in the 56th minute to draw his side level, with the winger then scoring again before Erling Haaland made the result safe late on to give the home side all three points.

City were superior to their neighbours on the day.

They managed more shots, had more of the ball and completed more passes than their opponents. Few, even on the red side of the city, will begrudge them the win.

Yet United fans were livid at the decision not to give a foul after Rashford collided with Kyle Walker moments before Foden's equaliser which changed the game.

Gary Neville felt it was merely a coming together and that the decision not to award a free-kick was the right one, with Mike Dean in agreement for Sky Sports.

But fans on X had a different opinion.

"That was a foul on Rashford, should be checked by VAR. Biased Ref," fumed one user.

A second said: "[City are level] on the back of fouling Rashford, what a scam."

A third vented their fury by saying: "Nobody seems to be talking about the fact Kyle Walker's leg clips Marcus Rashford.

"Combined with the pull on his arm, soft or not, that is a foul. VAR again, not fit for purpose."

A fourth weighed in by saying: "REF IS A JOKE FOUL ON RASHFORD!!!"

And a fifth fumed: "Clear foul on Rashford, nahhh what is this??"

United will ultimately be frustrated by the defeat, one that all but ends their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Particularly after Aston Villa's victory over Luton on Saturday night, with the Red Devils facing the prospect of Europa League or UEFA Conference League commitments next term instead.

It was the least City deserved, with the reigning champions starting the better of the two teams.

They looked sharper and far more threatening before Rashford's stunning goal broke the deadlock and silenced the home crowd.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• Jude Bellingham's X-rated blast revealed by Carlo Ancelotti after red card in Real Madrid and Valencia draw
• Luke Littler 'a bad loser' and 'needs to sort his attitude out' as backlash sparked in Damon Heta defeat
• Geri Halliwell 'read Christian Horner the riot act' with friends left 'astonished' by show of support

But while United went ahead against the run of play, it was always going to be a big ask trying to keep Pep Guardiola's side at bay.

Foden's leveller was a cracker, with the England international blasting his effort into the top corner.

And he did well with his second of the game, too, with his low shot sailing beyond the outstretched glove of United star Andre Onana before Haaland added gloss to win the late on.

City should have levelled long before they did, with Haaland firing over from close range with the goal at his mercy towards the end of the first half.

Guardiola cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as he attempted to inspire his troops to victory.

Yet the Spaniard will be delighted with another derby day triumph, having already beaten United earlier in the season, with Guardiola spotted beaming on the touchline as the minutes ebbed away.

City won't have too long to reflect on their win, however, with the champions next in action against Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday night (8pm).

They lead 3-1 from the first leg and are on course to make the last eight as they look to retain the prestigious prize.

United are next in action against Everton on Saturday.

They won 3-0 in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park back in November, with Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Martial all netting.