Maresca: Haaland VAR error ‘part of football’

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has dismissed the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s decisive goal against Manchester United as simply “part of football,” insisting the focus should remain on his side’s performance rather than a single officiating mistake.

City claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Haaland’s 60th-minute strike securing three points despite the visitors playing more than an hour with 10 men after Phil Foden’s red card for violent conduct. The goal, however, sparked immediate debate after it was initially disallowed for offside before being awarded following a lengthy VAR review.

Referee Michael Oliver’s on-field decision flagged Haaland offside as he finished Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross at the far post. Video assistant referee Matt Donohue overturned the call after semi-automated offside technology showed the Norway international was fractionally onside—kept level by United full-back Patrick Dorgu’s outstretched boot. City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, clearly in an offside position, had dived in an attempt to meet the ball but made no contact. Officials ruled that because Fernandez did not touch the ball, he was not interfering with play.

Refereeing body Pro Ref later admitted an “error of judgement.” In a statement issued hours after the final whistle, the organisation said the VAR “did not recognise the likely impact” of Fernandez’s position on United defender Lisandro Martinez and “should have recommended an on-field review.” Pro Ref contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the mistake and confirmed a full review of the incident. Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb subsequently described the error as the result of “tunnel vision,” with officials becoming overly focused on Haaland’s position and failing to properly assess Fernandez’s influence on the defending.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of City’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Norwich City on Thursday, Maresca refused to dwell on the controversy. “To focus on that one episode after the performance we produced is quite poor,” he said. “The VAR error is part of football.”

The Italian also pointed to a previous contentious decision at the same venue, noting that City were still waiting for an apology after Marcus Rashford’s goal was allowed to stand in United’s 2-1 win over the champions in January 2023.

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Maresca preferred to highlight his team’s display and the three points gained from the derby. He confirmed plans to rotate the squad for the cup match against Norwich, giving several players the chance to build fitness and sharpness ahead of a congested period that includes Premier League and Champions League fixtures.

The result left City level with Arsenal on maximum points from the opening four league games, while United remained mid-table after a mixed start to the campaign.