Controversial Haaland winner stands after VAR review at Old Trafford

Erling Haaland’s 60th-minute finish was awarded after a VAR review despite initial offside flag, deciding Manchester City’s victory at Old Trafford and prompting criticism from Manchester United players and staff, Pro Ref said it had acknowledged an “error of judgement” in not recommending an on-field review.

The goal came after Phil Foden was sent off on 23 minutes following an incident with Bruno Fernandes; referee Michael Oliver showed Foden a straight red for kicking out while Fernandes remained unpunished.

On the goal, Josko Gvardiol’s cross deflected off Patrick Dorgu’s boot toward Haaland, who turned the ball in at the back post. The on-field decision disallowed the goal for offside, but the VAR determined Haaland was onside and allowed the goal after concluding Dorgu’s touch played the ball.

Pro Ref later issued a statement saying it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and that the VAR failed to recognise the likely impact of his position, adding contact had been made with Manchester United to acknowledge an “error of judgement” and that a review would take place.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The sequence shows the match-deciding goal was initially disallowed for Haaland before VAR awarded it because Dorgu’s boot was judged to have played the ball. Debate focused on Enzo Fernandez’s diving attempt in an offside position and whether that action influenced United team-mates, a subjective element the VAR did not recommend be reviewed on-field.

Officials and pundits cited the same facts: Fernandez dove for a header without touching the ball, Martinez said he felt impacted, and Pro Ref acknowledged a procedural error in failing to prompt an on-field review.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Erling Haaland’s 60th-minute goal was awarded after VAR overturned an on-field offside call.
• Pro Ref admitted an “error of judgement” for not recommending an on-field review regarding Enzo Fernandez’s involvement.
• Phil Foden received a straight red on 23 minutes for kicking Bruno Fernandes earlier in the match.