Manchester United’s 1-0 derby defeat by Manchester City has been overshadowed by a major VAR controversy after refereeing body Pro Ref admitted that an error was made in allowing Erling Haaland’s winning goal to stand.
Haaland struck the decisive goal in Sunday’s Manchester derby after an incident that had initially been flagged as offside on the pitch.
The goal was subsequently overturned by VAR, which ruled that City’s Enzo Fernandez had not committed an offside offence because he did not actually touch the ball.
However, Fernandez had been in an offside position and appeared to attempt to play the ball with a diving header, potentially affecting Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez.
Referees admit VAR got it wrong
Pro Ref has now acknowledged that VAR failed to properly consider Fernandez’s impact on the play.
In an unusual intervention, the refereeing body said a review of the incident would be conducted and confirmed that Manchester United had been contacted.
“It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective,” Pro Ref said.
“However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.”
The body added that it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an “error of judgement”.
“A review of the incident will take place,” it said.
Carrick fumes at controversial decision
Manchester United coach Michael Carrick had already criticised the decision after the match, describing it as “worrying” that Haaland’s goal was allowed to stand.
Carrick questioned how Fernandez could be considered not to have interfered with play when he had thrown himself towards the ball just yards from goal.
“I can’t understand how we are trying to help referees – putting so many layers behind them, so many people, so many bodies, so many screens and so many offices, to try to come up with the right decisions,” Carrick said.
He argued that there appeared to be little ambiguity over Fernandez’s involvement.
“If that’s how the rule is interpreted, that you’re not interfering with play because you have thrown yourself at the ball six yards from goal and pretty much nearly touched it, it’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” he added.
Haaland knew goal was likely to stand
Haaland joked after the match that he had taken the initial offside decision “a bit personally”.
The City striker said he looked towards Fernandez and manager after the VAR review and received a thumbs-up, giving him confidence that the goal would be awarded.
“I looked over to Enzo, the gaffer… he gave me a thumbs up and I kind of knew that it was a goal,” Haaland told Sky Sports.
“So I kind of prepared myself a bit to go and celebrate.”
Neville questions offside decision
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville also expressed disbelief at the decision.
The Sky Sports pundit said he needed the offside law explained to him after watching the incident.
“I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say,” Neville said.
“I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
Neville also suggested the controversy could leave referee Michael Oliver and the other officials under scrutiny.
United’s difficult start continues
The defeat compounded Manchester United’s poor start to the Premier League campaign, leaving them with just four points from their opening four matches.
United had been given an advantage earlier in the match when Manchester City’s Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute after kicking midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
Despite playing against 10 men, United were unable to find an equaliser before Haaland’s controversial winner settled the derby.
