PGMOL Admits VAR Error Over Haaland’s Manchester Derby Winner

Manchester United have been told that Erling Haaland’s derby winner should not have been allowed after the refereeing body admitted VAR made an “error of judgement” in overturning the original offside decision.

Quick facts

• Haaland’s goal, scored around the hour mark, was first ruled out for offside before VAR awarded it.
• The review concluded Haaland was onside and that Enzo Fernandez had not played the ball while offside.
• Officials later accepted Fernandez’s position had likely affected the phase and an on-field review should have been advised.
• Phil Foden was sent off after 23 minutes following his reaction to a kick from United captain Bruno Fernandes.
• City held on with 10 players to take the derby’s three points.

The post-match admission leaves the decisive incident under intense scrutiny. The referee’s body accepted that VAR failed to properly assess the probable impact of Fernandez’s offside position and said the referee should have been sent to the monitor.

VAR had initially backed the reversal by determining Haaland was onside when the ball was played. It also judged that Fernandez, despite standing in an offside position, had not played the ball.

Micah Richards argued that the goal decision was wrong and said Fernandez was clearly affecting the defender’s ability to compete. The former City player said even a small movement can alter whether a defender can attack the ball.

Richards also objected to Foden’s early straight red card. Foden was dismissed 23 minutes into the match after reacting to Fernandes’ kick, leaving City to play the vast majority of the derby a man short.

Despite his anger over the calls, Richards praised City’s response under new manager Enzo Maresca. He said their ability to withstand United with 10 men showed the fight and spirit required in the manager’s first derby.

Roy Keane’s focus was on United’s failure to exploit their numerical advantage. He felt City managed the game with greater intelligence, while United began to overthink the task rather than continuing to execute the basics.

Keane said City were “more streetwise” as United struggled to break through their resilient defence. The result gives City a hard-fought derby victory, while United are left with defeat and the refereeing body’s acknowledgement that the winning goal should not have stood.