Michael Carrick has downplayed the significance of an apology from Pro Ref over VAR.
Manchester United Head Coach / Manager Michael Carrick reacts to Harry Maguire of Manchester Un
Michael Carrick after Manchester United's draw with Fulham. (Image: Getty Images)
It hasn't exactly been a perfect start to Manchester United's new season. On-field results and displays have lacked consistency, notably in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Fulham, while off the pitch, the club has faced numerous challenges. VAR disputes have compounded the frustration, while the circumstances surrounding academy prospect JJ Gabriel have created another unwelcome complication.
The 15-year-old is understood to be seeking an exit from United and leaning towards a move to Chelsea, despite the club regarding him as a possible first-team player for the future. However, the first international break of the campaign now presents United with a chance to reflect and reorganise before domestic competition returns next month. With this in mind, here are the latest United headlines...
Michael Carrick has downplayed the importance of the apology United received from Pro Ref, formerly known as PGMOL, following a VAR error that permitted Manchester City's winner in the Manchester derby to stand.
Pro Ref chief Howard Webb acknowledged an officiating error had occurred after Erling Haaland's decisive goal was allowed to stand despite City team-mate Enzo Fernandez being in an offside position.
The goal had originally been disallowed before a VAR review reversed the on-field decision.
The decision promptly drew criticism, with concerns raised about why Fernandez's position hadn't been considered during the review. An apology was later issued to United shortly following the final whistle.
Carrick continues to back VAR but acknowledges the apology did little to alleviate his disappointment over the incident. "Listen, one-off things can happen," he said. "I've got faith in [the system] of course... [but] the apology doesn't mean an awful lot.
"I can appreciate it and I respect them for putting their hands up and saying 'we got that wrong'. It happens. Moving forward, we just have to deal with what's thrown in front of us."
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Carlos Baleba of Manchester United looks on at the end of the Premier League 2026/27 match bet
Carlos Baleba was featured in the squad for the first time at Fulham. (Image: Getty Images)
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Former United striker Louis Saha believes the club's campaign could depend on whether Carlos Baleba can fill the vacancy left by Casemiro and establish himself as their new midfield anchor.
Baleba arrived at United from Brighton for £70million this summer and is expected to assume the role as the side's first-choice No. 6.
Casemiro had occupied that position for several years before departing Old Trafford, and Saha believes Baleba possesses the qualities to fill his predecessor's shoes.
However, the Frenchman has cautioned that United need Baleba to make an immediate impact, suggesting that his capacity to propel the side forward could prove vital in unleashing their attacking talent.
"Manchester United's season will only truly begin once Carlos Baleba is fit enough to be the starting, first-choice midfielder in the team," the Frenchman said. "He brings more power to the game than Kobbie Mainoo or Youri Tielemans, who are both great footballers, but Baleba has a greater engine and can take this team to a higher level.
"I like how aggressive he can be with the ball, and I think he can drive forward to break the lines with his dribbling. It would be a mistake to put him into a system that stops him doing that.
"He can be like Casemiro, who was not a dribbler but he was able to get the team up the pitch and play passes high to the striker or the wingers straight away. He recovered the ball and his first pass was always forward. Sometimes he made mistakes or lost the ball but it doesn't matter because the benefit to the team compensated that.
"This is the job of the defence to give their midfielders the confidence to take these risks and find other players. If they don't feel they can take these risks, it is a great shame because right now Manchester United have a forward line of real killers.
"They just aren't being given the freedom to play. Carlos Baleba can give them that freedom and unlock the team more than Kobbie Mainoo or Youri Tielemans but they can provide that balance. You need both."