Michael Carrick confused by VAR's award of Erling Haaland goal in Manchester derby
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: A VAR 'Checking' message is seen on an LED board before leading to Erling Braut Haaland of Manchester City being awarded their side's first goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick could not contain his confusion after a big incident in the Manchester derby.
Manchester United lost 1-0 against Manchester City on derby day at Old Trafford, picking up just four points from their first four Premier League fixtures after losing to Hull City and drawing with Everton.
There are certainly things within Carrick's control that could have made a difference in the last month, but he was powerless to affect the officiating process that permitted a controversial goal.
How the controversial goal unfolded
At the hour mark, Josko Gvardiol got forward on the overlap, and his delivery was brilliantly buried by Erling Haaland.
Although the foot of Patrick Dorgu kept the number nine onside as he peeled away from Lisandro Martínez at the far post, many would argue that the goal should not have stood.
Enzo Fernández had broken forward into the box, and he seemed to be clearly interfering with the play despite not touching the ball. VAR felt otherwise, and the Citizens had a lead they held onto.
VAR is supposed to give officials in the stadium a second opportunity to correct major mistakes, but its implementation in this instance is another demonstration of why the tool continues to frustrate.
‘It's a staggering explanation’
“I'm confused. We put things in place in the game now. We have people in offices with all the screens for this decision.
“It's more worrying about if that's the interpretation of football now. If that's the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that's really worrying for me. It's a staggering explanation.
“The decision isn't going to change the season, but it's had a major impact on the game. That decision wasn't on us today. It's up to us to create and score after that. We had moments. Of course it's up to us to do that, but big moments in games like that have a big impact.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Players wait for Referee Michael Oliver to reveal the VAR decision for the goal scored by Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Players wait for Referee Michael Oliver to reveal the VAR decision for the goal scored by Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)