Danny Murphy is right, stats show 'inspired' Man City new signing key to win vs Man United

Iliman Ndiaye was excellent off the bench as 10-man Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 in a controversial derby on Sunday.

Erling Haaland's goal was the difference at Old Trafford, with VAR's decision to allow it to stand sparking huge debate.

The striker was initially adjudged to be offside before the check, which ruled him on but failed to recognise Enzo Fernandez's interference from an offside position.

Pro Ref has since apologised for the error, yet Man City's staggeringly good display after Phil Foden's red card should not go underappreciated.

Enzo Maresca's side restricted Man United to just three shots on target and only one big chance, which came right at the end when Gianluigi Donnarumma saved well from Bryan Mbeumo.

The Citizens remain neck and neck with Arsenal top of the Premier League, with both teams having won all four of their opening games.

Danny Murphy hails 'inspired' Iliman Ndiaye substitution

Ndiaye joined Man City from Everton on transfer deadline day, after a deal worth up to £65million had been agreed.

The 26-year-old scored six goals and provided three assists in the Premier League last season, and is one of the league's most dangerous dribblers.

Yet when Maresca turned to the Senegal international at half-time on Sunday, bringing him on for Rayan Cherki, it was with a purpose in mind.

"He brought Ndiaye on and I think he did it for two reasons. One, I think he's better defensively and two, he travels with the ball better," Danny Murphy told BBC Match of the Day on Sunday.

"It was a really inspired substitution because from the minute he came on, he took the initiative. He won five free-kicks in the second half by doing this - travelling with the ball and committing men.

"When you're playing against anybody with 10 men, those breathers for the backline when you get high up the pitch are so important."

He continued: "Everything good City did in this second half, he was involved in. Tenacity, work-rate, the defensive side. This is what I love about him.

"Probably learned a lot of that under Moyesey at Everton to be fair because you don't play in the Everton side unless you do that, but he is a great addition for this City side.

"These little moments late in the game, don't look much but it's a big deal, winning the ball on the edge of the box and City are out again. Credit Maresca, credit Ndiaye and credit City."

The stats that prove Murphy right

Ndiaye could not have had a more positive impact for Man City and Maresca off the bench at Old Trafford.

While he made just 11 passes, the Senegal international was key to working the ball up the pitch for the visitors.

Ndiaye completed three successful dribbles from six attempted, and was fouled an astonishing five times - more than anybody else on the pitch.

The 26-year-old also made numerous defensive contributions, with one tackle, two clearances, an interception and six recoveries.

Impressively, his nine ground duels won was more than anybody on the pitch.