Pro Ref Admits VAR Error in Controversial Haaland Derby Winner

Referees' body Pro Ref has formally admitted to making an "error of judgement" in allowing Erling Haaland's winning goal to stand as 10-man Manchester City beat rivals Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford.

The decisional drama unfolded in the 60th minute when Haaland converted Josko Gvardiol's cross at the far post past United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The assistant referee initially flagged the goal for offside, but a video assistant referee (VAR) review ruled that Haaland was played onside by Patrick Dorgu's boot.

However, debate quickly centered on City's Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position in the center of the six-yard box. Fernandez attempted a diving header at the ball, which passed over him without making contact, while United defender Lisandro Martinez challenged nearby.

The Premier League Match Centre clarified the VAR team's reasoning in a post on X:

 "VAR checked the referee's call of no goal for offside - and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded."

"The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn't play the ball."

Pro Ref later issued a statement confirming that the VAR team had misjudged Fernandez's subjective impact on the phase of play and should have instructed referee Michael Oliver to view the monitor:

"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."

United manager Michael Carrick expressed frustration over how the technology was applied to the situation:

"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."

Carrick added that it was "worrying" that the goal stood and claimed there were no grey areas regarding whether Fernandez interfered with the play. United defender Lisandro Martinez characterized the call as an "injustice," while Carrick confessed he was "confused" by the decision.

Speaking on Sky Sports, former United defender Gary Neville questioned the officials' ruling:

"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."

Neville also anticipated a "massive inquest into the goal, which I think was wrongly given".

Pundit Micah Richards agreed that the decision was mistaken, while praising City's resilience:

"I think it’s been a bad day for referees, I think it’s been a bad day for VAR," he said.

"I think they got the Phil Foden decision wrong after 23 minutes and they got this decision wrong. How you can say Enzo Fernandez is not challenging…of course he is."

"I’ve been in that position as a defender where any slight movement can make the difference between going for the ball or not. Of course it affects him."

"I just think they got it so wrong, but that doesn’t take anything away from City’s performance. To go that long with 10 men is just incredible."

"We talked about fight, we talked about spirit, new manager, first derby, what have you got? They showed exactly what they are."

In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Haaland revealed he "took it a bit personally" when the goal was initially called offside on the pitch, adding:

"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."

Former United midfielder Roy Keane remarked that United were "punished" for keeping a high defensive line.

The match also featured an early red card when Phil Foden was dismissed in the 23rd minute by referee Michael Oliver for kicking Bruno Fernandes while the United captain was on the ground.

Despite playing with ten men for over an hour, City secured the 1-0 victory to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season, joining Arsenal at the top of the table with 12 points. United remain on four points from their opening four matches.