Manchester City were not at the races during the opening 45 minutes at Old Trafford.
Pep Guardiola was given an early fright after Alejandro Garnacho surged forward within the opening minute, nearly winning a penalty as Ruben Dias felled the Argentine just outside the box.
There was also a glorious chance for the South American to score at the back post – only to scuff his attempted finish – with Manchester City perhaps fortunate to reach to interval without conceding.
During a disappointing first half for the Citizens – however – a bit of Manchester derby history was made.
Ruben Dias receives earliest yellow card in Manchester derby history
After that aforementioned run by Garnacho, Dias – who Manchester City fans recently slammed – was booked by John Brooks.
In receiving a yellow card after just 38 seconds, the Portugal international broke the record for quickest booking in a Manchester derby – since Opta started collecting data in 2006.
It meant Dias was walking a tightrope for practically the entire game, but to his credit, the Manchester City No.3 did well to stay out of any further trouble.
The quickest yellow cards given in Premier League history
While Dias – who Rodri said works hardest in training – got himself in the book very early at Old Trafford, he was still nowhere near the record of fastest yellow card in Premier League history.
That title goes to Sadio Mane, who somehow received a yellow card after just 15 seconds of a Premier League clash between Liverpool and Chelsea in the 2021/22 campaign, due to an elbow on Cesar Azpilicueta.
You can see the other entrees for the Premier League’s fastest-ever yellow card below, with Dias still nowhere near making the list.
- Anthony Knockaert vs Crystal Palace – 28 seconds
- Stephen Warnock vs Hull – 26 seconds
- Liam Cooper vs West Brom – 25 seconds
- Scott McTominay vs Newcastle – 24 seconds
- Sadio Mane vs Chelsea – 15 seconds
