Carrick plays down VAR apology as Saha warns United's season hinges on Baleba

Michael Carrick has dismissed the apology Manchester United received from refereeing body Pro Ref as offering little real comfort, even as former United striker Louis Saha warns the club’s entire season could depend on summer signing Carlos Baleba establishing himself as the team’s midfield anchor.

Pro Ref chief Howard Webb acknowledged an officiating error after Erling Haaland’s winning goal in the Manchester derby was allowed to stand despite City midfielder Enzo Fernandez being in an offside position. The goal had initially been ruled out before a VAR review overturned the on-field decision, prompting widespread scrutiny over how Fernandez’s position had been overlooked.

Carrick, speaking after the apology was issued, said he retained faith in the VAR system but made clear the admission of error did little to ease his frustration. “Listen, one-off things can happen,” he said. “I’ve got faith in [the system] of course… [but] the apology doesn’t mean an awful lot. I can appreciate it and I respect them for putting their hands up and saying ‘we got that wrong’. It happens. Moving forward, we just have to deal with what’s thrown in front of us.”

The derby controversy has been one of several unwanted distractions for United in the opening weeks of the season. Injuries have disrupted Carrick’s planning, with £70m summer signing Baleba forced to wait for his debut after arriving from Brighton. A separate off-field issue involving 15-year-old academy player JJ Gabriel, who is reportedly pushing to leave the club despite United viewing him as a future first-team prospect, has added to the turbulence at Old Trafford.

Saha, however, believes the most consequential question facing United is whether Baleba can step into the role vacated by Casemiro, who occupied the No. 6 position for several years before departing. The Frenchman argues Baleba has the attributes to become the midfield anchor United need, but that the club’s prospects this season will be shaped significantly by how quickly the 20-year-old settles.

The first international break of the season now gives Carrick and his staff a moment to regroup before domestic football resumes next month.