Maresca Backs VAR Officials After Controversial Haaland Goal Against Man United

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has come to the defence of VAR officials following the controversial decision that allowed Erling Haaland’s winning goal against Manchester United to stand.

Haaland struck in the 60th minute at Old Trafford on Sunday as City claimed a 1-0 victory and maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with four wins from four matches.

The goal sparked controversy after Haaland was initially flagged offside. VAR subsequently ruled that United defender Patrick Dorgu had kept the City striker onside, but the review failed to account for Enzo Fernandez, who was clearly offside and interfering with play.

Pro Ref, the refereeing body, later described the incident as an “error of judgment” and said the VAR should have advised the referee to conduct an on-field review.

Maresca, however, urged understanding for the officials while speaking ahead of City’s League Cup third-round clash with Norwich on Thursday.

“Sometimes they go for you, the decisions, sometimes they go against you,” Maresca said. “But also it’s not easy, I think, for the VAR, for the people that are in front of the screen, and in 10 seconds, 20 seconds they have to make a decision.

“It’s not easy for them. Sometimes they make some mistakes. I make mistakes, players make mistakes, I think it’s part of our job.”

The City manager also questioned the amount of attention being given to the disputed goal, pointing instead to what he described as an impressive display from his players despite being reduced to 10 men following Phil Foden’s first-half red card.

Maresca, who took over from Pep Guardiola as City manager in June, then brought up a similar incident involving Manchester United from the 2022/23 campaign, when he was working as Guardiola’s assistant.

Bruno Fernandes scored despite Marcus Rashford being in an offside position as United secured a 2-1 victory over City at Old Trafford.

According to Maresca, no apology was offered over that incident.

“Three years ago, when I was here, it happened exactly the same against Man United,” said the former Chelsea boss.

“We lost the derby there. The goal was not a regular goal, if you remember. To be honest, no one apologised. We are still waiting for the apology for that goal.

“Sometimes it happens for you, sometimes it happens against you. It’s football.”

Asked whether he welcomed the absence of VAR in the early stages of the League Cup, Maresca declined to dwell on the issue and instead praised City’s performance.

“I’m pleased with the unbelievable performance from the players on Sunday,” he said. “I’m very pleased with that. Talking about one moment after that game, when we played for 70-75 minutes with 10 players, I think it’s quite poor. I think the performance was unbelievable.”

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