Manchester City’s derby win sparks United defender’s VAR outcry

Manchester City’s derby win leaves Manchester United three points behind at Old Trafford and has ignited a furious reaction from defender Lisandro Martinez, who called the VAR decision that allowed the winner "unacceptable".

VAR overturn fuels United anger

Erling Haaland’s strike on the hour mark was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR check reversed the on‑field call and restored the goal.

The Premier League Match Centre explained that the VAR "determined that Haaland was in an onside position" and judged that, although Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position, he "didn’t play the ball".

Enzo Maresca’s City were reduced to ten men from the 23rd minute when Phil Foden was sent off for kicking at Bruno Fernandes, yet they held on.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, City held on to take all three points away from Old Trafford.

Speaking to, Martinez said: "I think it was offside. What I can’t understand is the rules. He (Fernandez) was there, I went to him because he was there in front of me. That’s why Haaland was free at the back. But I want to be calm now, I want to control myself. It’s so hard because you lose, you lose the derby, you lose three points at home. Every season they come to our club, explain one hour, one hour and a half the rules and they look so confident with that. Then after, five, six people doing this kind of mistake in the Premier League is unacceptable because it’s the best league in the world, you have the best teams in the world, the best players in the world."