Premier League row: Haaland's winner – VAR error in Manchester derby
Erling Haaland: His goal decided the Manchester derby, but a clear VAR error made the winning goal appear officially questionable. In the top match of the fourth round of the Premier League between Manchester City and Manchester United, the discussion about the video referee's decision was the focus of the game.
First half without a goal
The first half was goalless, both teams were looking for the lead, but the game remained without a clear chance until the break. City's offensive pressure was held back by United's compact defence, while attention was already directed towards possible VAR interventions. The discussion about a potential wrong decision grew, even though no goal was scored.
Controversial goal and reaction
In the 60th minute, City’s Erling Haaland turned a cross from his teammate Joško Gvardiol into a goal at the far post with a left‑footed shot. Jo, short for Joško, was involved in the cross. The goal was initially ruled out for off‑side, but a VAR review showed that United defender Dorgu was closer to the goal and Haaland’s goal counted as 0‑1.
The incident sparked further controversy because Manchester City’s Enzo Fernández was in an off‑side position in the same play and set up a lofted header. The VAR saw no offence in that, because “Fernández did not play the ball”. Nevertheless, he intervened in the play, which suggests a punishable off‑side position.
The English referees’ committee issued a statement: The on‑field decision was initially off‑side against Erling Haaland – this was reviewed by the VAR and found to be not off‑side. It further explained that in the same attack it was determined that Enzo Fernández had not played the ball, which makes every off‑side decision subjective; the VAR had not recognised the likely impact of the position and should have recommended a review on the field.
The committee has already contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the “assessment error”, and announced a further review of the incident. Haaland’s goal remained the only goal of the match.
United played with a numerical advantage for about 70 minutes after a red card for Phil Foden, but could not decide the Manchester derby in their favour. The match ended with Haaland’s controversial winning goal, and the discussion about the VAR error remains in focus of the Premier League debate.