Manchester Derby Controversy: VAR Admits It Made an Error When Approving Haaland's Goal

Controversy has marred the Manchester Derby after the English Premier League's refereeing body Pro Ref acknowledged an error in the validation process for Erling Haaland's goal, which secured Manchester City a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday 13 September 2026.

Pro Ref even issued an apology to Manchester United, concluding that the VAR team should have recommended the match referee conduct an on-pitch review regarding the build-up to the goal.

"Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland's awarded goal," a Pro Ref spokesperson stated, as quoted by ESPN in Jakarta on Monday.

In their official explanation, Pro Ref confirmed the VAR team did conduct a check on Haaland's positioning when he received the ball. That review concluded the Manchester City striker was in an onside position.

"During this same attacking sequence, it was determined Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball, meaning any potential offside infringement would be subjective. However on this occasion, VAR failed to account for the possible impact of his positioning, and should have recommended an on-pitch review," the spokesperson added.

The core issue was not solely Haaland's position, but Enzo Fernandez's presence during the attacking move. Pro Ref ruled that the City midfielder's positioning could have altered the offside assessment, meaning the match referee should have been permitted to review the incident via the pitchside monitor.

The refereeing governing body also confirmed official communication had been made with Manchester United to formally acknowledge the mistake.

"Contact was made with Manchester United this evening to recognise what we consider to be an error of judgement. A full independent review of this incident will be carried out," the Pro Ref spokesperson continued.

The controversy erupted when Haaland scored in the 60th minute, connecting with a cross from Josko Gvardiol. The ball took an unexpected deflection off another player before crossing the line into Manchester United's goal.

The assistant referee had initially raised his offside flag against Haaland. This original decision was overturned following the VAR review process.

Match VAR Matthew Donohue, alongside assistant VAR Blake Antrobus, ruled Enzo Fernandez had not made an active play on the ball nor interfered with play inside the penalty area. On this basis, Haaland's goal was allowed to stand.

The ruling prompted an immediate fierce reaction from the Manchester United camp. Manager Michael Carrick publicised his disappointment, describing the decision as deeply alarming.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez also publicly questioned the VAR call. Martínez had been involved in the 50/50 challenge with Fernandez in the build-up to Haaland's goal, and stated he believed the ruling was unjust.

Pro Ref's official admission of error has amplified the surrounding controversy. This mistake that validated City's 1-0 winning goal is already being cited as one of the most serious VAR failures since the technology was introduced to the English Premier League in 2019.

This victory at Old Trafford means Manchester City have collected maximum points from their opening four matches, drawing The Cityzens level with Arsenal at the top of the league table.

By contrast, Manchester United have been left with a demoralising home defeat. This result leaves the Red Devils stranded in 13th position with just four league points to date.