Refereeing body ProRef has contacted Manchester United to acknowledge an error in awarding the goal scored by Erling Haaland that condemned them to defeat in the derby. Manchester City claimed all three points at Old Trafford despite seeing Phil Foden sent off kicking Bruno Fernandes in the stomach in the 23rd minute.The crucial moment came on the hour mark as Haaland steered the ball into the top-left corner from Josko Gvardiols deflected left-wing cross.Haaland was initially flagged for offside but, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was controversially awarded.Citys Norwegian talisman was ruled to have been played onside by Patrick Dorgu, but the more contentious aspect of the decision concerned the involvement of Enzo Fernandez.Fernandez was stood in an offside position when the cross was played in and attempted to get his head onto the ball. However, as he failed to do so, Fernandez was deemed not to be interfering with play.Table of ContentsProRef acknowledge Haaland goal errorHow did the managers react?ProRef acknowledge Haaland goal errorWith Fernandezs presence attracting the attention of Lisandro Martinez and, as such, leaving Haaland unmarked, that appeared to be an at best dubious interpretation of the rules, one that left United boss Michael Carrick confused.And in a statement released late on Sunday, a ProRef spokesperson conceded a mistake on the part of the officials.It read: Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sundays Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haalands awarded goal.The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.How did the managers react?Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Carrick said of the decision: Im confused. 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.His City counterpart Enzo Maresca unsurprisingly had a different view.It was completely clear that the goal was not offside, Maresca told Sky Sports. In the moment I was told by the fourth official, I celebrated early, because I knew. 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 It was completely clear Maresca claims he knew Haaland goal was not offside Nicholas McGee 13th September, 2026 Carrick confused by VAR decision to allow Haaland goal as he defends United derby display Nicholas McGee 13th September, 2026 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
