The Premier League refereeing body, Pro Ref, has admitted that an error of judgement was made when Erling Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City was allowed to stand against Manchester United.
Manchester City secured a dramatic 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday. However, the result was overshadowed by the controversial decision that gave Haaland the decisive goal.
Haaland’s Goal Sparked a VAR Debate
Haaland appeared to be in an offside position when Josko Gvardiol sent the ball across the United penalty area. Referee Michael Oliver initially ruled out the goal for offside.
VAR then reviewed the incident and overturned the decision. The review showed that Haaland was actually onside because Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu had played him on.
However, another issue quickly became the focus of the debate.
Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was also in an offside position. He attempted to reach the ball with a diving header before it reached Haaland.
Fernandez did not make contact with the ball. VAR therefore decided that he had not interfered with play and recommended that the goal should stand.
Pro Ref Admits VAR Should Have Reviewed the Incident
Pro Ref has now acknowledged that VAR made a mistake.
The refereeing body said Fernandez’s position and movement could have affected the play. It also said the VAR should have recommended an on-field review for Michael Oliver.
According to Pro Ref, the incident involved a subjective decision about whether Fernandez’s actions affected an opponent. The body has since contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an error of judgement.
The admission has added to the frustration around the use of VAR in the Premier League.
Manchester United Left Frustrated
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was among those unhappy with the decision.
Martinez believed Fernandez’s movement affected his ability to defend the cross. He described the decision as an injustice after United lost the derby despite City playing much of the match with 10 men.
United manager Michael Carrick also questioned the interpretation of the rules.
Carrick said he found the decision difficult to understand. He also raised concerns about whether the current interpretation of interference gives players and supporters enough clarity.
The controversy was particularly frustrating for United because the decision directly influenced the result.
Manchester City Played With 10 Men
The disputed goal was not the only major talking point from the derby.
Manchester City were reduced to 10 players in the first half after Phil Foden was sent off. Foden received a straight red card after an incident involving United captain Bruno Fernandes.
United therefore had a numerical advantage for a large part of the match.
Despite that advantage, City remained organised and eventually found the winning goal through Haaland in the second half.
The result gave Manchester City another important victory while leaving United to reflect on missed opportunities and the controversial VAR decision.
What Happens Next?
Pro Ref has confirmed that the incident will be reviewed.
The admission is unlikely to change the result. However, it could lead to further discussions about how VAR officials assess offside interference in similar situations.
For Manchester United, the explanation offers some recognition of their concerns, but it does not recover the points lost at Old Trafford.
For Manchester City, the victory remains on the Premier League table, although Haaland’s goal will continue to attract debate.
The incident once again highlights the difficult balance between technology and human judgement in football. VAR can correct clear mistakes, but subjective decisions can still create controversy when different interpretations of the rules come into play.