Why Haaland’s Manchester City Goal Stood After VAR Review at Old Trafford
Erling Haaland’s early Manchester City goal at Old Trafford was awarded after a lengthy VAR review, despite Manchester United’s protests over Enzo Fernandez’s involvement from an offside position.
VAR confirms Haaland strike
Haaland finished from close range after Josko Gvardiol’s cross from the left was diverted into his path, but the assistant referee initially raised the flag and City’s celebrations were halted.
Matt Donohue, working as the VAR official, later reversed that decision and the goal stood. Semi-automated offside footage showed Haaland had been kept onside by Patrick Dorgu’s extended foot as the United defender slid in to stop Gvardiol’s delivery.
- Gvardiol sent the ball into the United area from the left.
- Dorgu attempted a block and his stretched leg played Haaland onside.
- Haaland converted the loose ball at the back post.
- The original offside call was overturned after the review.
Fernandez involvement causes delay
The major issue was not Haaland’s position. Officials instead examined whether Fernandez, who was standing offside in the penalty area, had committed an offence before Haaland scored.
The Argentine made a diving attempt to head the cross but did not connect with it. VAR had to decide whether that movement had prevented United from defending the cross or blocked an opponent’s view.
Officials concluded that Fernandez neither touched the ball nor interfered enough to make the goal illegal. Lisandro Martinez was positioned between Fernandez and Haaland, however, and United had a case that the midfielder’s attempted header affected Martinez’s reaction before the finish.
What happens next
The decision left United behind in a derby already shaped by City’s first-half setback. Phil Foden had been sent off after an incident involving Bruno Fernandes, leaving the visitors to manage the remainder of the match with 10 men.
