Pro Ref admits error that let Haaland’s goal decide Manchester derby

In front of a packed Old Trafford on Sunday, Pro Ref – the body that oversees Premier League officiating – admitted it had mis‑judged Erling Haaland’s goal, the decisive strike that gave Manchester City a 1‑0 win over Manchester United after the ball was ruled on‑side at the 15th minute of the second half.

Contested goal and VAR intervention

The Gol by Haaland was initially flagged for offside, but a VAR review showed the Norwegian striker was in a legal position and the goal was allowed to stand. Enzo Fernández was in an offside position during the build‑up but, as the review confirmed, he did not touch the ball. Na mesma jogada, the officials failed to consider whether his positioning interfered with Lisandro Martínez, a point later highlighted by Pro Ref.

Segundo a imprensa inglesa, Pro Ref later issued a statement saying the VAR had not properly assessed the possible impact of Fernández’s position and should have recommended a field review. The organisation said it had contacted Manchester United that night to acknowledge what it called an “error of judgment”. This admission came hours after the match concluded.

Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute of the first half after a clash with Bruno Fernandes, leaving City with ten men for the remainder of the game. Despite the numerical disadvantage, City held on to secure the victory.

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Reactions and wider implications

The win kept Manchester City’s Premier League record perfect, four victories from four rounds, while Manchester United remain on four points after the defeat. Melhores momentos of the fourth‑round fixture highlighted the drama surrounding the disputed decision.

United lodged formal complaints over the handling of the incident, and former England defender Gary Neville publicly questioned the decision‑making process. The controversy has reignited debate over VAR consistency in high‑profile matches.

The admission was disclosed by English journalist Rob Harris of Sky News, who relayed the Pro Ref statement to the public. His report has been widely cited across outlets covering the Premier League clash.