Rio Ferdinand slams United after ‘deluded’ VAR decision
Rio Ferdinand warned Manchester United that their Sunday’s derby performance required urgent review after a ‘deluded’ VAR decision, a 23‑minute dismissal of Phil Foden and a solitary goal from Manchester City’s Norwegian’s Erling Haaland after an hour at Old Trafford in the first half.
First‑half drama
The match began with United pressing high, but the breakthrough came early when Phil Foden was sent off after just 23 minutes for retaliating against a kick from Bruno Fernandes. United were forced to play with ten men, yet they struggled to create clear chances before the half‑time whistle.
Second‑half turning points
Manchester City were reduced to ten men early in the second half, but the numerical advantage did not translate into sustained pressure from United. After sixty minutes, Erling Haaland – the Norwegian striker – netted the only goal of the game, a finish that sparked immediate debate.
The controversy centred on the build‑up to Haaland’s strike. Enzo Fernandez appeared offside as he received Josko Gvardiol’s cross, and the linesman initially raised his flag. VAR intervened, over‑ruling the flag and allowing the goal, a decision later described by Pro Ref as a mistake, for which they apologised to United.
Rio Ferdinand took to X to vent his frustration, writing: ‘[Lisandro] Martinez has to defend the man nearest the goal whether he believes he’s offside or not. In split seconds you make the decision. He goes to defend Fernandez – who then attempts to play the ball. Deluded from VAR! Regardless – United never created enough chances once City went to 10 men.’
Youri Tielemans echoed the disappointment, telling that United’s display was ‘sloppy on the ball’ and that they failed to generate enough chances to win, even with the extra man.
Red Devils legend Roy Keane described the result as a poor start to the season but warned against panic, saying the pressure on Michael Carrick is real yet the squad must keep their heads and improve both defensively and in attack.
Michael Carrick’s early tenure has already drawn criticism, with a recent analysis noting his disappointing start to the season (Picture: Getty Images). United will need to regroup quickly after the Sunday’s defeat at Old Trafford against City.