Neville predicts Pro Ref apology after Haaland's controversial derby winner stands

Gary Neville has predicted that Pro Ref will issue a formal apology to Manchester United after Erling Haaland’s controversial winner settled the Manchester derby 1-0 in City’s favour.

Haaland bundled the ball past Senne Lammens at the back post in the 60th minute following a cross from Josko Gvardiol. The goal was initially disallowed for offside before a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision, with the Premier League Match Centre confirming on X that Haaland had been adjudged onside.

The controversy centred on Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position and appeared to attempt a header as the cross came in before the ball reached Haaland. Although Fernandez did not make contact, Neville argued that his movement constituted interference with play under the wording of the offside rule — specifically the clause covering a player who is “clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent”.

“There is no doubt that Enzo is attempting to play the ball and putting Lisandro Martinez off,” Neville said. “They’ll recognise they got that wrong.”

The former United defender had flagged his concerns during the game, saying the officials “will be nervous” and would “recognise they got this wrong”. His view had not shifted by full-time. “They’re the words that I think — emphatically — means we will see an apology from Pro Ref,” he added, referring to the specific language of the rule.

Neville also admitted the decision had left him so confused that he “needed the offside rule explained to me”, and called for a “massive inquest into the goal, which I think was wrongly given”.

Fellow pundit Micah Richards backed Neville’s reading, saying the officials “have got it so wrong”, though he suggested the error should not diminish City’s victory.

The result was not without its own contentious subplot for City, who had Phil Foden sent off in the first half for kicking Bruno Fernandes. Despite finishing with ten men for a period, City held on to claim all three points and maintain a 100 per cent winning record in the Premier League this season.