A disputed goal, a red card and a manager who has had enough. Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca says it is ‘quite poor’ that the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s winner has overshadowed his side’s performance in Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League victory at Manchester United. The context matters: City played the majority of the derby at Old Trafford with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off. Then the referees’ body ruled the VAR call wrong, and the debate exploded.
What Happened at Old Trafford
Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday thanks to Erling Haaland’s goal on the hour mark, awarded after the video assistant referee ruled in City’s favour. The visitors were down to 10 men for most of the match following Phil Foden’s red card.
The referees’ body subsequently ruled the VAR decision incorrect. Instead of headlines about a 10-man derby win, the story became one about officiating, and that is exactly what has frustrated Maresca.
Maresca’s Response
Maresca, who was part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at City before returning as manager, described the focus on the controversy as ‘quite poor’. His point is straightforward: holding out at Old Trafford with 10 men for over an hour and leaving with three points deserves more credit than a refereeing row.
The core issue is that VAR backed City in the moment, only for the officials’ own body to admit the call was wrong afterwards. It is the latest in a long line of Premier League VAR flashpoints that leave managers, players and supporters demanding more consistency and clearer communication.
What It Means for City, Foden and England
On the pitch, City bank three derby points, even if the manner of the win will be argued over for weeks. Foden will serve a suspension for his red card, an absence that hurts City in the coming fixtures and gives Thomas Tuchel something to think about regarding the England midfielder’s form and discipline.
The VAR fallout also puts fresh pressure on the Premier League’s officiating body. Admitting an error after the fact does nothing to change the result, but it fuels the argument that the system still lacks transparency at the decisive moments.
What Next?
City move on with a derby win that Maresca clearly feels has been undersold. United, meanwhile, are left with a defeat and a legitimate grievance.
The bigger question is whether this incident forces any change in how VAR decisions are reviewed and explained in the Premier League. For now, the result stands, and so does the row.
FAQ
What was the score in the Manchester United v Manchester City derby?
Manchester City won 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Erling Haaland scoring the only goal on the hour mark.
Why is Haaland’s goal controversial?
The goal was awarded after VAR ruled in City’s favour, but the referees’ body later confirmed the decision was incorrect.
What did Enzo Maresca say about the controversy?
Maresca said it was ‘quite poor’ that the VAR row had overshadowed his team’s performance after playing most of the derby with 10 men.
Why did Manchester City play with 10 men?
Phil Foden was shown a red card, leaving City a man down for the majority of the match at Old Trafford.
Can the result be changed after the VAR error was admitted?
No. Admitting a VAR error does not alter the result, so City’s 1-0 win stands and the three points remain theirs.
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