VAR decision sparks controversy over Manchester City's opening goal against United

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) concluded that Patrick Dorgu played Erling Haaland onside and that Enzo Fernandez did not interfere with play for Manchester City's first goal against Manchester United.

Haaland struck the opener at the back post from a cross but was initially ruled offside.

After a thorough VAR review, it was determined that Haaland was indeed onside, while Fernandez, who was in an offside position, had not played the ball, with Lisandro Martinez defending behind him.

Josko Gvardiol's shot deflected off Dorgu towards the back post for the Norwegian, who finished clinically.

The review process for the goal continued before the linesman's flag was overturned.

A tweet from the Premier League Match Centre stated: "#MUNMCI – 59’ VAR OVERTURN.

VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.

"The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball." An opponent who interferes with play will be penalised if they are clearly attempting to play a ball which close when this action impacts on an opponent or making an obvious action which impacts the ability of an opponent to play the ball.

Fernandez lunged for the delivery with a diving header while Martinez was positioned behind him.

Ultimately, the goal was allowed to stand following the VAR's intervention.

Former United defender Gary Neville suggested that top-flight officials may need to acknowledge an error, as he believes Fernandez affected his fellow Argentine.

He remarked: "The question is does Enzo Fernandez put off Lisandro Martinez?

"I think he does because he (Martinez) sort of hesitates.

I do think when they look back, they'll recognise they got it wrong." United had a numerical advantage when Phil Foden was sent off for an off-the-ball incident involving Bruno Fernandes.

However, they were unable to capitalise on their best opportunity, as Bryan Mbeumo was superbly denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma deep into stoppage time.

Michael Carrick's side had twice hit the post, with Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both rattling the woodwork in the first and second halves respectively.

It was a disappointing day for the hosts, with Haaland's contentious goal proving to be the decisive moment in the match.

Source: Manchester Evening News