Premier League referees’ body Pro Ref admits Erling Haaland’s derby winner should not have stood following a VAR review.
Pro Ref has admitted a mistake in allowing Erling Haaland’s winning goal to stand during Sunday’s Manchester derby. The officiating body confirmed it had contacted Manchester United (1.85) to acknowledge the error.
A Costly VAR Decision
Haaland’s 60th-minute goal was initially ruled offside before a lengthy VAR review overturned the on-field decision. Officials determined Haaland himself was onside when Josko Gvardiol’s cross came into the box.
The review also concluded that Enzo Fernandez had not directly played the ball while offside. Pro Ref later admitted that conclusion failed to account for Fernandez’s impact on defender Lisandro Martinez.
“The VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position,” the statement explained.
The body confirmed the incident should have been referred for an on-field review instead.
United Voice Their Frustration
Manager Michael Carrick expressed clear frustration with the decision immediately after the final whistle.
“I just don’t get it, I really don’t get it,” Carrick said following the defeat.
He questioned the reasoning behind the officials’ conclusion regarding Fernandez’s positioning near goal.
“It’s worrying if that’s really how the game’s seen by those who are officiating it,” Carrick added.
Defender Lisandro Martinez also criticised the decision, calling it an “injustice” in his post-match interview.
Former United defender Gary Neville echoed those concerns during live television commentary: “I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me,” he admitted on air.
Pro Ref’s Official Statement
Pro Ref released a detailed statement acknowledging the mistake later on Sunday evening. “The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland, which was checked by VAR,” the statement read. It confirmed Haaland had indeed been in an onside position when the cross arrived.
However, the statement admitted the subjective judgment on Fernandez’s impact had been wrongly assessed.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement,” it added.
A formal review of the incident will now take place in the coming days.
Wider Implications For United’s Season
The controversial defeat leaves United thirteenth in the table after four matches this season. City (1.120), by contrast, sit second on goal difference behind league leaders Arsenal (1.39).
Carrick remained defiant despite the disappointing result and the officiating controversy surrounding it: “We will get there, I’m convinced of that,” he said.
He acknowledged United had not collected as many points as hoped so far this season. The admitted error adds further scrutiny to VAR’s role within the Premier League this season.
