Man United handed new VAR verdict as ex-referee explains what should have happened vs Man City

Manchester United have been handed a new verdict over the controversial goal conceded from Manchester City in the derby

Former Premier League referee Graham Scott has claimed Michael Oliver should have been advised to conduct an on‑field review of the incident that led to Manchester City’s winning goal against Manchester United in controversial circumstances. Erling Haaland finished from Josko Gvardiol’s cross, but the build‑up immediately sparked debate.

Gvardiol’s delivery deflected towards the back post, with Lisandro Martinez positioned between Enzo Fernandez and Haaland. The City midfielder launched himself towards the ball in an attempt to convert a diving header.

The linesman initially raised his flag for offside, but after a VAR check, officials ruled that the former Chelsea man had not interfered with play and suggested that Patrick Dorgu’s boot kept Haaland onside.

However, Scott, who refereed in the English top flight for a decade, argued that in situations like this, it ‘would have made more sense’ for Oliver to be sent to the monitor so he could review the incident ‘in its entirety,’ he told The Athletic.

He also noted that officials operate under intense pressure to make quick decisions, adding that it may have been a reasonable call for the VAR team ‘not to intervene unless absolutely necessary.’

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Pro Ref, formerly PGMOL, have since taken accountability for the mistake, which they described as an error of judgement, and confirmed that a review will take place.

A Pro Ref spokesperson said: “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 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 Fernandez 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.”

Reds head coach Michael Carrick admitted he was deeply worried about the outcome. “Confused, not even confused, we’ve put things in place to help referees’ decisions, screens, referees in an office somewhere,” he said post-match.

“It’s more worrying about if that’s the interpretation about football. If we’ve got people in place that are meant to understand the game of football or not interfering with play or impacting an attack, throwing your body at it with a defender next to him, it’s really worrying for me, if that’s how it’s interpreted.

“It’s a staggering decision. I can’t understand it once I seen it then the explanation almost makes it worse. Well, the explanation that he’s not interfering with play. Incredible.”