Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Manchester United have been told the goal that beat them in the Manchester derby should not have stood.
Pro Ref, the refereeing body formerly known as PGMOL, has admitted an error of judgement over Erling Haaland's winner at Old Trafford and confirmed the incident will be reviewed.
Haaland gave Manchester City the winner in the 60th minute to give Enzo Maresca's side a fourth straight Premier League victory, as Michael Carrick's side fell to a second league defeat.
The Pro Ref Statement in Full
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
"Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland's awarded goal," the statement read.
"The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR, and he was found to be in an onside position.
"In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernández 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."
A Day of Decisions at Old Trafford
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City won 1-0 with 10 men; Phil Foden was dismissed in the 23rd minute for a kick out at Bruno Fernandes — the first red card in a Manchester derby since Marouane Fellaini's in 2017, and one the Premier League's match centre had already defended.
Haaland turned in Josko Gvardiol's cross on the hour, the flag went up, and VAR overturned it. Gary Neville said on commentary he needed the offside law to be explained to him, as the confusing moment left him befuddled. Lisandro Martínez called the decision "unacceptable."
Gabriel clashes with Sunderland's Brian Brobbey
Gabriel clashes with Sunderland's Brian Brobbey
Former referee Mark Halsey argued the assistant had been right and that VAR, faced with a subjective call, should never have intervened.
Pro Ref now agree that a review, at least, was owed, but it will be of no comfort to Carrick, who sarcastically claimed in his post-match press conference that he 'couldn't wait for the apology'.