Erling Haaland’s controversial second-half goal decided the Manchester derby on Sunday and Pro Ref have since come out to admit they made an ‘error of judgement’

Former Wolves and Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards has admitted he feels “sick” for Michael Carrick after Manchester United’s controversial 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.

United were beaten by 10-man City on Sunday with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive winner in the 60th minute. The Norwegian bundled the ball home at the back post after getting on the end of Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross. The assisstant referee initially put up his flag and deemed it as offside.

However, VAR overruled the on-field decision as they ruled that Haaland was onside and Enzo Fernandez, who was positioned in an offside position, did not touch the ball in the centre and did not interfere with Lisandro Martinez, who was the United defender closest to both City players.

Pro Ref have since contacted United do admit there was an ‘error of judgement’ in giving the goal and that they should have stuck with the on-field offside call, claiming that Fernandez interfered with Martinez.

Now, Edwards has delivered his verdict on the incident and said that United head coach Carrick will be “raging” with the decision to allow the goal and then the statement from Pro Ref post-match.

Edwards told Sky Sports: “Yeah, I feel sick for him [Carrick] as well. It’s a huge game for both clubs. But to lose it in that manner, with that kind of goal, it will hurt.

“It will really hurt. And I know when he comes out, he doesn’t let his emotions [take over]… You could see that he was frustrated, but he was also calm. But inside, he’ll be raging with that.

“You can’t make those mistakes. It doesn’t matter that it’s the Manchester derby in the Premier League. You can’t make those mistakes. It doesn’t matter who it is.”

Haaland’s goal wasn’t the only controversial decision in the game. Phil Foden was given a straight red card in the 23rd minute at Old Trafford after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

Foden had been fouled by Fernandes near the far touchline and the United captain first appeared to have a swipe at the City man, who was sat on the floor.

But Foden didn’t react well to Fernandes and then kicked back, catching him with both feet and straight into the lower abdomen, sending the Portuguese midfielder down in theatrical fashion.

Referee Michael Oliver was in no hesitation but to brandish the red card to Foden, who was left stunned, while Fernandes was unpunished despite kicking the City player first.

The defeat for United leaves them on just four points from their opening four matches. They sit 13th in the Premier League, having lost to Hull and City, drawing at Everton and winning against Ipswich.

Although it is so soon in the season, there is a small amount of pressure on Carrick following United’s disappointing start. They go up against Brighton on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup before travelling to Fulham in the Premier League next up on Sunday.