Manchester City’s controversial winner in the Manchester derby has been officially labelled an error of judgement by the Professional Game Referees body (Pro Ref).
Erling Haaland’s 60th-minute goal at Old Trafford secured a 1-0 victory for City, but the decision to allow it to stand sparked widespread criticism over the application of the offside rule and the role of VAR.
Pro Ref Admits Mistake at Old Trafford
The refereeing body has acknowledged that VAR failed to properly assess the impact of Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s position during the build-up to Haaland’s goal.
Although Haaland was eventually found to be onside, Fernandez’s involvement became the central issue. Pro Ref explained that the midfielder did not play the ball, making the question of whether he interfered with play a subjective decision.
However, the body admitted that VAR failed to recognise the likely impact of Fernandez’s position and should have recommended an on-field review.
In a statement released after the match, Pro Ref said:
“Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Haaland’s awarded goal. The on-field decision was offside against Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.”
The statement continued:
“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review. Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”
Carrick Questions VAR Decision
Manchester United coach Michael Carrick was left frustrated by the explanation he received from the officials.
Speaking after the match, Carrick questioned how Fernandez’s movement could be considered irrelevant despite the midfielder’s position during the attack.
When asked whether he expected an apology from referees’ chief Howard Webb, Carrick responded sarcastically:
“I don’t know how you can [get in touch with them]. I don’t know where you go. I don’t really know how you go and get another explanation on that one, I have to say. Yeah, that’d be great, that. Yeah, I can’t wait for that one.”
He added:
“The explanation I got was he wasn’t interfering with play. So I just don’t get it. I really don’t get it.”
Carrick also insisted that the incident did not appear to be a complicated interpretation of the rules.
“I think we all understand what that rule means, and it’s pretty obvious. So I don’t think there’s a tweaking of the rules where sometimes there’s a little change.”
Review to Follow
Pro Ref has confirmed that the incident will be reviewed, but the admission does not change the result. Manchester City retain the three points, while Manchester United are left to reflect on a decision that could have had a major impact on the derby.
The controversy has once again raised questions about the consistency of VAR decisions in the Premier League, particularly when subjective offside calls are involved.
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