Old Trafford turned into the center of a refereeing storm on Sunday, as the Premier League’s own officiating body admitted a Haaland offside error decided the biggest call of the derby.
Manchester City won 1-0 away at Manchester United, but the result came under review hours after full time. Phil Foden had already been sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, leaving City to play the final hour with ten men.
How the Haaland Offside Error Unfolded
City still found a way through. In the 60th minute, Josko Gvardiol whipped in a cross that deflected off Patrick Dorgu and fell for Erling Haaland, who volleyed past goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The assistant referee flagged the effort offside on the field, but VAR ruled Haaland onside because Dorgu had played him.
The problem sat elsewhere. Enzo Fernandez had also been in an offside position and moved toward the same cross, though he never touched the ball. Pro Ref later admitted that VAR should have recognized how Fernandez’s run affected Lisandro Martinez’s defending and sent referee Michael Oliver to the pitchside monitor. The body said it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the mistake and that a formal review will follow.
Carrick Calls the Decision Worrying
United manager Michael Carrick said afterward that it was concerning to see a team of officials reach that conclusion, and Martinez, who had tracked Fernandez through the move, felt his team had been wronged. Erling Haaland still finished with his ninth goal in Manchester derbies.
The win keeps City unbeaten through four matches and level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal, who edge the head-to-head placing on goal difference after beating Sunderland. United slide to one win, one draw and two losses, a record already dented by an opening weekend defeat to promoted Hull City.
The Haaland offside error will not change Sunday’s scoreline, but it adds fresh scrutiny to how VAR handles offside players who never touch the ball, a question City and United may see again before the season is out.
