Carrick backs VAR despite costly derby off‑side error
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick said he still trusts the video assistant referee (VAR) even after the off‑side oversight that allowed Manchester City’s winning goal at Old Trafford, despite a formal apology from Pro Ref issued within three hours of the 1‑0 defeat.
The VAR failed to spot Enzo Fernandez, left on the ground, in an off‑side position and clearly interfering with play as Manchester City scored their match‑winner. The error occurred in the Manchester derby, a fixture that pits United against City at the iconic venue.
VAR error sparks criticism
Pro Ref’s governing body issued a formal apology to United shortly after the game, acknowledging the mistake. Neither VAR official Matt Donohue nor his assistant Blake Antrobus have been selected for any weekend fixtures after missing Fernandez’s off‑side position before Erling Haaland’s decisive strike.
Referee chief Howard Webb, who has faced heavy criticism over officiating standards, said on the ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ programme that he was "really disappointed" with the outcome. Webb explained that officials were too focused on a potential off‑side against Haaland and failed to assess Fernandez’s position, and he has since spoken to United to improve accountability.
Carrick’s faith and Yoro outlook
When asked before United’s Premier League trip to Fulham on Sunday whether he still believed in VAR, Carrick replied: "One‑off things can happen… but yes, I’ve got faith in it. It’s the system we work towards and that we use." He added that the apology “doesn’t mean an awful lot” but that the club must move on.
Carrick also reiterated his backing for centre‑back Leny Yoro, who arrived from Lille for a £52.2m fee in July 2024. Yoro, now 20, has made 69 appearances for United, 55 of them in the Premier League, with 25 as a substitute, and Carrick insists there is “no cut‑off point” to his development.
Looking ahead, Carrick stressed that United will not make knee‑jerk decisions based on a single incident, whether it be a VAR error or a player’s performance, and that the club remains focused on upcoming challenges, including the match at Fulham.