Manchester City defeat Manchester United amid VAR controversy

Manchester derby Premier League VAR controversy Erling Haaland offside decision

Manchester City secured a 1-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but the result has sparked significant controversy regarding a VAR decision. Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the 60th minute, which was initially ruled offside before being overturned following a video review.

While the VAR determined Haaland was onside, the officiating body, Pro Ref, later admitted a ‘judgment error’ regarding the involvement of Enzo Fernandez. Although Fernandez did not touch the ball, his offside position was deemed to have influenced the play by affecting defender Lisandro Martinez. As a result, the VAR and AVAR officials involved in the match have been removed from officiating duties for the upcoming fifth round of the Premier League.

Despite playing with ten men for most of the match following Phil Foden’s red card in the 23rd minute, Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the season. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed frustration with the officiating, while City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma urged his teammates to build on the momentum of the win.

Entities

Elliot Anderson · Enzo Fernández · Enzo Maresca · Erling Haaland · Manchester City · Manchester United · Michael Carrick · Old Trafford · Phil Foden · Pro Ref

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Erling Haaland has scored eight goals in seven Premier League appearances against Manchester United.
[● 17 SOURCES] Enzo Maresca is the manager of Manchester City. xbets.ro · zawodtyper.pl · nukunya.com · ch23.com · www.sportingnews.com
[● 15 SOURCES] Manchester United has earned four points from its first three Premier League matches. xbets.ro · ch23.com · www.sportingnews.com
[● 18 SOURCES] Manchester City has won all three of its opening Premier League matches of the 2026-27 season. xbets.ro · zawodtyper.pl · nukunya.com · ch23.com · www.sportingnews.com
[● 14 SOURCES] Michael Carrick is the manager of Manchester United. nukunya.com · ch23.com · www.sportingnews.com
[● 8 SOURCES] Manchester City defeated FC Porto 2-0 in the Champions League recently. www.fourfourtwo.com · ch23.com
[● 14 SOURCES] Manchester United defeated Sabah FK 4-0 in the Champions League recently. zawodtyper.pl · xbets.ro · ch23.com
[● 21 SOURCES] The Manchester derby is scheduled to take place at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 13, 2026. xbets.ro · zawodtyper.pl · www.fourfourtwo.com · ch23.com · www.sportingnews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Enzo Maresca emphasized the importance of the derby match at Old Trafford.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Manchester United has avoided defeat in five of their last six derbies against Manchester City in regulation time.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Michael Carrick confirmed Marcus Rashford was rested during the Champions League match against Sabah to ensure readiness for the derby.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Manchester United's last victory against Manchester City in the Premier League occurred on January 17, 2026.