Shearer slams Bruno Fernandes' theatrics after United’s derby loss

Erling Haaland's solitary strike settled the Sunday derby at Old Trafford, giving Man City a 1‑0 win after the video assistant referee declined to flag Enzo Fernandez for off‑side interference before the ball reached the Norwegian forward. The goal came despite Man Utd playing with a numerical advantage from the 23rd minute.

Shearer condemns Fernandes' theatrics

Alan Shearer said on The Rest Is Football that Bruno Fernandes’ dramatic fall was “pathetic”, accusing the Man Utd captain of trying to provoke a red card for Phil Foden. “If Phil Foden reacts in the same way as Bruno Fernandes did then both get red cards,” Shearer added, insisting both should have been sent off.

Controversial goal and VAR error

Erling Haaland’s solitary strike settled the Sunday derby at Old Trafford, giving Man City a 1‑0 win after the video assistant referee declined to flag Enzo Fernandez for off‑side interference before the ball reached the Norwegian forward. United received a full and frank apology for the officials’ mistake, yet the goal stood.

United’s missed chances and season woes

Man Utd played with a numerical advantage from the 23rd minute after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, but Marcus Rashford struck the woodwork and Kobbie Mainoo hit the post as they pressed for an equaliser. Youri Tielemans, the Belgium international, said the side “didn’t use the right spaces, made mistakes in our passes, maybe rushed it a little too much”.

Michael Carrick’s side slipped to a damaging 1‑0 defeat despite the extra man, adding to a sluggish start that includes a loss at Hull, a win over Ipswich and a late draw at Everton. The frustration was echoed by Tielemans, who called the performance “disappointing” and said United can play much better.

The match officials later issued a full and frank apology for the VAR oversight, acknowledging the error that allowed Haaland’s goal to stand.