Pro Ref admits VAR error as Man City mock United after controversial derby win

Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday, but the result was immediately overshadowed by a VAR controversy after officiating body Pro Ref admitted an error had been made in allowing Erling Haaland’s winning goal to stand.

Haaland’s 60th-minute strike was initially ruled out for offside before VAR intervened and awarded the goal, handing City all three points and extending their perfect start to the Premier League season. However, Pro Ref subsequently contacted United to acknowledge that the review process had fallen short.

“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland — that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position,” a Pro Ref spokesperson said. “In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review. Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”

The admission adds a bitter edge to a result that already stung United supporters. City’s official X account compounded the mood almost immediately after the final whistle, posting “Five wins in a row” accompanied by a scissors emoji and an eyes emoji — an apparent reference to United fan Frank Ilett, who famously pledged not to cut his hair until his side had won five consecutive matches.

The victory keeps City among the early pacesetters in the Premier League, while United’s difficult start to the campaign continues. The controversy over the goal is likely to intensify scrutiny of VAR decision-making in high-profile fixtures, with Pro Ref’s own statement confirming the system did not function as intended at one of the season’s most-watched games so far.