Martinez demands Premier League answers after VAR overrules offside to hand City derby win

Erling Haaland’s controversial VAR-assisted goal gave 10-man Manchester City victory over Manchester United in the Premier League derby at Old Trafford, sparking furious protests from defender Lisandro Martinez over the officiating.

The goal arrived when Josko Gvardiol’s cross was deflected into Haaland’s path, and the on-field assistant initially raised the flag for offside. VAR intervened, ruling that Haaland was onside and that Enzo Fernandez — who was in an offside position in the centre — had not touched the ball. The goal stood, and City held on to claim the three points despite Phil Foden’s first-half red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

Martinez, who was the United defender closest to both Fernandez and Haaland at the moment of the cross, was unambiguous in his assessment. “I think it was offside,” he said. “What I can’t understand is the rules. He was there. I went to him because he was there in front of me. That is why Haaland was free at the back.”

The Argentina international made clear his frustration extended beyond the single decision, pointing to a pattern he believes undermines the league’s credibility. “Every season they come to our club, explain for one hour, one hour 30 minutes the rules and they look so confident with that,” he said. “Then after that, five, six people doing this kind of mistake in the Premier League. It’s the best league in the world, you have the best teams in the world, the best players in the world. Now we have to go home with this injustice.”

Martinez also explained the defensive dilemma he faced in the moment. “It was difficult because I had two players and I was 50/50 so I had to take the first man. As simple as that. Let’s see what they have to say now.”

The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the rationale behind the decision on X, stating that VAR had determined Haaland was onside and that Fernandez, though in an offside position, had not played the ball — the key distinction that allowed the goal to be awarded.

The result is a damaging one for United, who were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage for the majority of the match. Martinez’s public demand for accountability signals that the club intends to seek a formal explanation from the league’s officiating body.