Carrick responds to VAR blunder apology over Haaland's goal

Michael Carrick has stated that the apology from referees’ chief Howard Webb regarding the VAR error on Erling Haaland’s goal in the Manchester derby “doesn’t mean an awful lot”. Webb, who heads Pro Ref, acknowledged the mistake after Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City at Old Trafford last weekend was allowed to stand, despite his teammate Enzo Fernandez being in an offside position and clearly interfering with play.

Webb attributed the error to “tunnel vision” and has temporarily stood down VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus until after the international break.

Carrick maintains his confidence in the VAR system but feels that Manchester United can only hope that marginal decisions will balance out as the season progresses. “Listen, one-off things can happen,” he remarked as United prepares to resume Premier League action against Fulham on Sunday. “At the time it was a pretty big one, we know that. I don't think I need to go over that.”

“Yes, I've got faith in it, of course. It’s the system that we work towards and that we use, so the apology doesn't mean an awful lot,” he continued.

He acknowledged the importance of Webb’s admission, saying, “I can appreciate it and I respect them for putting their hands up and saying ‘we got that wrong’. It happens.”

Carrick urged his players to move past the controversy and concentrate on improving from a poor start to the season, having lost three of their six matches in all competitions. “That was a pretty big one to take and had a huge impact on that game, and that's why it was particularly tough,” he added.

“It can have an impact in that moment of time – it can have a big impact – but we can't let it have an impact on the rest of the season. That's for us to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.”

Source: Daily Mail