Manchester United boss Michael Carrick was left confused and worried by the decision to allow Erling Haalands decisive goal in their derby defeat at Old Trafford. United slumped to their second defeat of the campaign as they were beaten 1-0 at home by 10-man Manchester City, who had Phil Foden sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking Bruno Fernandes in the stomach.But the Red Devils failed to make the extra man count, though Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo each hit the post, and they were punished as Haaland produced a fine close-range finish to steer Josko Gvardiols deflected cross to the far post back across goal and into the top-left corner.Haalands celebrations were initially cut short by the offside flag but, after a lengthy VAR review, it was ruled that the Norway talisman was onside. Enzo Fernandez, who attacked the cross from an offside position but failed to make contact with his attempt to head the ball, was controversially ruled to not have interfered with play.And it was that interpretation of the rules that left Carrick scratching his head, declaring it to be a staggering explanation.Im confused, Carrick told Sky Sports. We put things in place in the game now. We have people in offices with all the screens for this decision. Its more worrying if thats the interpretation of football now. If thats the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, thats really worrying for me. Its a staggering explanation.The decision isnt going to change the season, but its had a major impact on the game. That decision wasnt on us today. Its up to us to create and score after that. We had moments. Of course its up to us to do that, but big moments in games like that have a big impact.United had 16 shots in the game, with only three hitting the target.Gianluigi Donnarumma tipped Rashfords free-kick onto the post in first-half stoppage time and Mainoo rattled the frame of the goal seven minutes before Haaland broke the deadlock.But Carricks men struggled to craft clear-cut opportunities from open play, their best coming right at the death as Fernandes threaded a ball through to Bryan Mbeumo, only for the forward to be denied by an excellent save from Donnarumma.Despite a frustrating afternoon for United, Carrick defended his sides performance after they suffered a second defeat in four Premier League games to start his first season in permanent charge.We did a lot of things well, it looked like we were growing well into the game, Carrick added. We looked dangerous. Well take the positives from the game today and move on well, but were not moving on lightly.We could have created more. Thats an answer for us, but we could have. Thats our second defeat now, since Ive been in charge, but were a good team and well get back to wining ways. Topics Manchester City F.C. Manchester United F.C. Premier League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Manchester United 0-1 Manchester City: Marescas 10 men claim controversial derby win Nicholas McGee 13th September, 2026 WATCH: Phil Foden sees red as Manchester City reduced to 10 men against Manchester United Jon Fisher 13th September, 2026 LIVE Manchester United v Manchester City: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 13th September, 2026 Manchester United v Manchester City: Confirmed line-ups and team news as Shaw misses out Jon Fisher 13th September, 2026 Man United v Man City: Preview, expected line-ups and stats Nicholas McGee 13th September, 2026 Sunderland v Arsenal as it happened: Updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 12th September, 2026
