Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Pro Ref Admits VAR Error in Controversial Haaland Derby Goal
Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Manchester derby.
Erling Haaland scored the only goal in the 60th minute.
The referee first ruled that Haaland was offside.
VAR checked the play and found Haaland was onside.
However, City player Enzo Fernandez was also in an offside position and tried to head the ball.
Pro Ref said VAR did not properly consider whether Fernandez affected the play.
It said the referee should have been sent to review the decision on the field.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick was very unhappy, and Pro Ref said it would review what happened.
Pro Ref said VAR made an error of judgment by allowing Erling Haaland’s goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 derby win.
Haaland’s 60th-minute strike was initially ruled offside before VAR found him to be onside.
Pro Ref said VAR failed to recognize the likely impact of Enzo Fernandez, who was offside and attempted to head the ball.
The refereeing body said VAR should have recommended an on-field review and contacted Manchester United about the incident.
The goal gave Haaland nine Premier League Manchester derby goals, moving him ahead of Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero.
- Who
- Manchester City, Manchester United, Erling Haaland, Enzo Fernandez, Pro Ref, and Manchester United manager Michael Carrick.
- What
- Pro Ref acknowledged that VAR made an error of judgment by allowing Haaland’s winning goal without properly considering Fernandez’s possible interference.
- When
- Sunday, during the Manchester derby; Pro Ref issued its statement afterward.
- Where
- Old Trafford, Manchester.
- Why
- Although VAR found Haaland onside, Pro Ref said it failed to assess the likely impact of Fernandez’s offside position and should have recommended an on-field review.
Manchester United’s Position
Pro Ref and Premier League Explanation
Whether Fernandez interfered with play
Manchester United’s Position
Manchester United’s players and staff argued that Enzo Fernandez’s offside position and attempt to head the ball affected the play, making the goal an injustice.
Pro Ref and Premier League Explanation
The Premier League said the goal was initially allowed because Fernandez did not touch the ball, while Pro Ref later said VAR failed to recognize his likely impact.
Assessment of the officials
Manchester United’s Position
Michael Carrick said he could not understand how the officials and VAR failed to make the correct decision despite the review process.
Pro Ref and Premier League Explanation
Pro Ref acknowledged an error of judgment, contacted Manchester United, and said the incident would be reviewed.
- Match result
- Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1-0.
- Goal time
- Erling Haaland scored in the 60th minute.
- Initial decision
- The goal was initially ruled offside.
- VAR decision
- VAR overturned the ruling after determining Haaland was onside.
- Offside concern
- Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and attempted to head the ball, but did not touch it.
- Pro Ref assessment
- Pro Ref said VAR failed to recognize Fernandez’s likely impact and should have recommended an on-field review.
- Haaland record
- Haaland became the Premier League’s outright leading Manchester derby scorer with nine goals, ahead of Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero.
