Goal that led to Man Utd's derby defeat by City was VAR 'error', referees admit

Refereeing body Pro Ref has admitted an error after VAR awarded Manchester City their winning goal during Sunday's Manchester derby.

Erling Haaland's goal - which handed Man City a 1-0 victory - was initially deemed offside on the pitch before VAR overruled the decision.

Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored.

He appeared to impact the defending of Man Utd's Lisandro Martinez by attempting a diving header, despite not touching the ball.

Pro Ref spokesperson has since made an unusual intervention and confirmed that a review of the goal will take place.

It said in a statement: "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."

Haaland jokingly told Sky Sports that he "took it a bit personally" that referee Michael Oliver thought he was offside in a post-match interview.

He went on: "I looked over to Enzo, the gaffer...he gave me a thumbs up and I kind of knew that it was a goal. So I kind of prepared myself a bit to go and celebrate."

Manchester United coach Michael Carrick previously said it was "worrying" that the goal was allowed to stand.

He also claimed there were no grey areas when it came to determining whether Fernandez had interfered with play.

Carrick said: "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 - and 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."

United were playing with a man advantage after City's Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute after kicking midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

The result left them with just four points from their opening four Premier League games.

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Former United defender Gary Neville also expressed confusion at the decision.

He said on Sky Sports: "I'm going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say. I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.

"He'll be nervous, (referee) Michael Oliver, as will (all) the officials, about this goal."

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