United enraged as Manchester derby rocked by red card, VAR apology

By James Robson, MANCHESTER England 

Manchester United were understandably enraged after Erling Haaland’s wrongly awarded goal settled the 199th Manchester derby.

The Norwegian struck in the 60th minute to seal a 1-0 win for 10-man Manchester City at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Monday (AEST).

At first, the goal was ruled out for offside, but after VAR review the onfield decision was overturned, sparking a roar of celebration from the away fans, including Oasis' Noel Gallagher.

United’s players were incensed because Enzo Fernández was in an offside position during the buildup.

The Premier League initially said the goal was allowed because, despite diving to head the ball, the Argentine did not get a touch before it reached Haaland at the far post.

However, football rules state a player is interfering with play when “clearly attempting to play a ball” or “challenging an opponent for the ball.”

United defender Lisandro Martínez, who was challenging Fernandez, called it an “injustice” and coach Michael Carrick was also perplexed.

“I just don’t get it, I really don’t get it. It’s worrying, it really is if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating,” Carrick said.

The refereeing body that oversees Premier League matches, Pro Ref, said later that the VAR “did not recognise the likely impact” of Fernandez’s position and “should have recommended an onfield review.”

Pro Ref said it had made contact with United to acknowledge an “error of judgment” relating to the winning goal.

City’s fans may have felt justice was done after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

Foden and City's players remonstrated on the field and coach Enzo Maresca said after that Fernandes should also have been shown a red for the altercation.

With an extra man United hit the post either side of halftime - first from Marcus Rashford's long-range free kick and then Kobbie Mainoo's low shot from the edge of the area.

It was Maresca’s first derby since taking over from Pep Guardiola at the end of last season and victory extended City’s 100 per cent start to the season.

City moved level on points with defending champion Arsenal at the top of the standings.

“The red card changed the plan of the game, but credit to the players and their effort, spirit and togetherness was brilliant,” Maresca said.

“It is already an abnormal situation when you are able to win a game with 10 players. It is fantastic. Then this game is a derby so it is even better.”

United is 13th in the standings with just one win from four games.

Carrick’s teams plays Brighton in the English League Cup on Thursday (AEST), having been knocked out of the competition at the earliest stage against fourth division Grimsby last season.

United plays winless Fulham next weekend before the international break.

“We haven’t got as many points as we would have liked at this point, for sure. There’s no getting away from that. But we don’t need a break or a restart. We’ve just got to move on and get winning again,” Carrick said.