Manchester City ended their three-match winless streak with a 1-0 victory over fierce rivals Manchester United yesterday, with Louis van Gaal saying Chris Smalling was “not vert smart” for getting sent off.

Sergio Aguero proved to be the difference with his goal in the 63rd minute but the home side were unable to kill-off the game, despite the away side playing the entire 45 minutes with 10 men after Smalling was given an early bath for picking up two yellow cards.

While Van Gaal had no complaints about the dismissal of his defender, he was angry at the lack of logic Smalling applied to the situation.