Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca referred to a Pro Ref admission that Erling Haaland’s winning goal against Manchester United last Sunday should not have stood. The goal, initially ruled out for off‑side, was allowed after a VAR review determined Haaland was on‑side due to defender Patrick Dorgu, while forward Enzo Fernández was judged off‑side before the ball reached Haaland. Pro Ref subsequently contacted United to apologise for the error.
Maresca used the incident to revive a three‑year‑old controversy involving a Bruno Fernandes goal at Old Trafford, which City claim should have been disallowed. He said the club never received an apology for that decision and is still awaiting one, drawing a parallel between the two disputed outcomes.
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Acknowledging the broader issue, Maresca said controversial officiating is an inherent part of football, noting that “sometimes it happens for you, sometimes against you.” The latest episode has intensified scrutiny of off‑side rule interpretation and the influence of video officials on decisive derby moments.
