Rooney brands VAR decision on Haaland's derby winner horrendous

On 14 September 2026, former England striker Wayne Rooney unleashed a furious rant after VAR allowed Erling Haaland’s winning goal to stand in the Manchester derby against Manchester United, describing the decision as ‘horrendous’ and saying it stripped the game of its emotion.

Build‑up and off‑side controversy

The controversy stemmed from the build‑up to the goal, when Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez drifted into an off‑side position and challenged Lisandro Martinez for the ball just before Haaland struck. Referee chiefs later confirmed Fernandez had interfered with play, which under the laws should have been penalised.

VAR decision and fallout

One key factor in VAR official Matt Donohue’s assessment was the lack of a direct touch by the £125 million signing Haaland, leading him to rule the goal valid despite Fernandez’s off‑side interference.

The Ref issued a grovelling apology to United, admitting the call was a mistake and that they had failed to penalise Fernandez for straying off‑side.

Rooney told, “I’m just so sick of this VAR. I think it’s horrendous. It’s taken all the emotion out of the game.”

Former City goalkeeper Joe Hart expressed disbelief, saying “I can’t believe the decision, anyone who’s played the game knows Fernandez impacted the play.” United manager Michael Carrick called the interpretation “worrying” and “staggering”, while Martinez lamented the injustice, insisting the off‑side should have been called.

Pro Ref, formerly PGMOL, released a statement confirming the incident occurred in the 60th minute of the Sunday Premier League fixture at Old Trafford and acknowledging that the VAR did not recommend an on‑field review despite Fernandez’s likely impact.