Wayne Rooney has disputed Phil Foden’s sending off against Manchester United, claiming it was ‘more of a flick or a gesture’ from the Manchester City midfielder on Bruno Fernandes.

The first major talking point of the derby arrived in the 23rd minute as Foden reacted petulantly to a kick in the backside from Fernandes while he was lying on the turf on the touchline.

Replays of the incident show Foden outstretching both of his legs into Fernandes’ midriff with some force, and referee Michael Oliver wasted little time in brandishing a straight red card.

United captain Fernandes, meanwhile, escaped unpunished, giving the hosts a man advantage and setting up an intriguing second half against Enzo Maresca’s side at Old Trafford.

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Marcus Rashford came close to capitalising on the stroke of half-time, hitting Gianluigi Donnarumma’s upright with a speculative 30-yard free-kick, before the two teams made their way towards the tunnel.

Giving his thoughts on Foden’s sending off on the BBC, United legend Rooney – the club’s all-time record goalscorer – said: ‘That can’t be a red card.

‘It was more of a flick or a gesture, than a kick out.’

On Sky Sports’ commentary of the match, though, Rooney’s long-time team-mate Gary Neville had a little less sympathy for Foden, stating: ‘Oh dear, he’s not having it, Foden, VAR will have a look.

‘It looks like Foden reacts. It’s a kick into the stomach there.

‘He’s not going to get away with that.’

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A few moments later, the former United and England right-back continued: ‘It’s one of them where he’s almost flicked out petulantly hasn’t he?

‘It’s one of those that you look back upon as Phil Foden and think: if I was going to get red carded then I might as well kicked him a bit harder!

‘It’s just a petulant little reaction. He’s been kicked on the floor.’

Neville was ‘surprised’ that Fernandes didn’t at least receive a booking for his part in the coming together.

However, he ‘completely understood’ why Foden was given his marching orders, adding: ‘It’s a painful moment for Foden to have to make that run down the long tunnel,’ the eight-time Premier League winner went on.

‘I’m surprised Fernandes didn’t get a yellow for the kick on the floor, he’s certainly pulled a reaction out of Foden which will help his team-mates.

‘I thought it was a yellow card for Bruno Fernandes and I’d like it not to have been a red for Phil Foden.

‘But I completely understand why it was because when you’ve kicked someone in the stomach, you’re more often than not done.’

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