Manchester United receive apology over Haaland derby goal

Manchester United have received an apology from England’s refereeing body after it admitted that the decisive goal in Sunday’s Manchester derby should not have been allowed to stand. The acknowledgement gives the Red Devils formal recognition that the key VAR decision was mishandled, although it does not change the result on the pitch.

Manchester City won 1-0 in the Premier League through Erling Haaland’s goal. Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position during the move but did not touch the ball. Pro Ref said his position could still have affected the action and made it harder for a Manchester City player to read the play. The VAR review did not give sufficient weight to that possible influence.

Pro Ref said the video assistant should have advised the referee to inspect the incident on the pitch before the goal was confirmed. The organisation contacted Manchester United on Sunday evening to acknowledge what it described as a mistake in judgement. It also said the incident will be examined again. The apology addresses the decision that shaped the derby, but United remain beaten after a match in which the only goal was awarded to their opponents.