Lisandro Martinez on Haaland goal: ‘We have to go home with this injustice’
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Erling Haaland of Manchester City competes for the ball with Lisandro Martínez of Manchester United during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Lisandro Martinez offered his take on the controversial moment that decided the Manchester derby.
VAR controversy at Old Trafford
The central defender tracked Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position, and Erling Haaland was left free at the far post to fire home the only goal of the game at Old Trafford.
Initially, it looked like Manchester City would get this big break chalked off, but VAR intervened to legalise the finish.
‘It’s so hard because you lose’
Manchester United must take responsibility for failing to make the most of their man advantage for the majority of the match, having seen Phil Foden get a red card after 23 minutes of the match.
However, they are right to be frustrated with the officiating in this case.
“He [Enzo] was there. I went to him because he was there in front of me, so that’s why Haaland was free at the back. I want to control myself now but it’s so hard. It’s so hard because you lose.
“You lose a derby; you lose three points at home. Every season, they come to our club and there are discussions about rules. Then, five or six people make this kind of mistake in the Premier League .
“I say this because it’s the best league in the world. You have the best teams in the world, the best players in the world, and now we have to go home with this injustice.
“It’s difficult because I had two players there and Haaland was behind. I was 50/50 and I had to take the first guy in front. So, if he’s not there, you go to Haaland. As simple as that. But let’s see what they want to say now. Let’s see. I want to hear what their decision is based on.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Harry Maguire of Manchester United speaks with Referee Michael Oliver as they wait 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: Harry Maguire of Manchester United speaks with Referee Michael Oliver as they wait 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)