Carrick calls VAR ruling 'staggering' after Haaland's derby winner survives offside review

Michael Carrick branded the VAR ruling that awarded Erling Haaland’s Manchester derby winner a “staggering” interpretation of the offside law, warning it was “worrying for football” after his side suffered what defender Lisandro Martinez called an “injustice”.

Haaland converted Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross to settle the derby, but referee Michael Oliver initially disallowed the goal. VAR official Matt Donohue overruled the on-field decision, ruling that Enzo Fernandez — who had thrown himself at Gvardiol’s centre from close range — was not interfering with play, despite Martinez adjusting his positioning to track his Argentina teammate.

“If that’s the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that’s really worrying for me,” Carrick said. “It’s a staggering explanation. I just don’t get it. I really don’t get it. I can’t understand how they’re trying to help referees and putting so many layers behind them with so many people, so many bodies, so many screens, and so many whatever offices they are to try and come up with the right decisions.”

Carrick also questioned where the offside line had been drawn in the first place. “The line was a bit dubious where they drew it to start with,” he added. “It’s worrying if that’s really how the game’s seen by those who are officiating it.”

When asked whether he would welcome a formal apology from Pro Ref — the body formerly known as PGMOL — Carrick was sardonic. “Yeah, that’d be great, that. I can’t wait for that one.”

Martinez was more direct in his frustration, saying officials had visited United earlier in the season to explain the very rules now at the centre of the controversy. “He was offside. I went to Fernandez because he was there in front of me, and that’s why Haaland was free,” the defender said. “Every season they come to our club, they explain the rules for an hour and a half, and they look so confident. And then you have five or six people making this mistake. It’s unacceptable because this is the best league in the world.”

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca took the opposite view, insisting it was “completely clear” that Fernandez was not in an offside position and that the goal had correctly stood. Maresca also addressed Phil Foden’s red card — shown in the 23rd minute after the England midfielder kicked out at Bruno Fernandes — though he did not contest the decision to dismiss his player.