Carrick fumes as VAR awards Haaland derby winner for Manchester City
Manchester City’s derby winner from Erling Haaland stood after a prolonged VAR review, despite Manchester United’s claim that an offside-positioned Fernandez interfered with Lisandro Martinez.
Michael Carrick was angered by the ruling after City won by a single goal at Old Trafford despite playing with 10 men from the first half. The on-field offside call was overturned after VAR, led by Matt Donohue, assessed the build-up to Haaland’s back-post finish.
Why United disputed the goal
- Josko Gvardiol sent a cross-shot into the United area.
- Fernandez, appearing to be offside, attempted a diving header but did not touch the ball.
- United argued that Fernandez’s movement affected Martinez, who was positioned behind him in the defensive phase.
- VAR ruled that Fernandez neither played the ball nor physically blocked a defender or goalkeeper from reaching it, so Haaland’s goal was allowed.
Carrick said the decision raised serious concerns over the current definition of interference. He argued that football has introduced screens, video officials and other tools to improve major calls, but said this interpretation was “staggering”.
The United manager accepted that the ruling would not decide the wider season, while insisting it had a major bearing on this match. He also admitted his own side had to do more after the setback.
United had promising spells and looked increasingly dangerous, Carrick said, but did not create enough clear chances against the 10-man visitors. It was his second defeat since taking charge.
What happens next
Carrick expects United to respond quickly and return to winning ways. He said there were positives in the performance, but made clear the team would not dismiss the derby defeat lightly.
