Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has criticised the post-match focus on the controversial goal that decided the Manchester derby. His side's 1-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday was secured by Erling Haaland's 60th-minute strike, which was awarded after a VAR review overturned an initial offside call.
Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola in the summer, argued that the discussion about the goal was unfair given his team played for over 70 minutes with ten men after Phil Foden's 23rd-minute red card. "Talking about one episode or one moment after that game when we played for 70- 75 minutes with 10 players, I think it's quite poor," Maresca said. He described City's performance as 'unbelievable' and referenced a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in January 2023, adding, "We are still waiting for the apology for that."
The refereeing body, Pro Ref, later admitted its VAR officials failed to consider whether City's Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position in the build-up to Haaland's goal. Chief Howard Webb expressed his disappointment with the outcome. "I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are," Webb said.
For Manchester United, the defeat was a second consecutive loss, following a 3-2 home defeat to Brighton just three days later. The club now sits 13th in the Premier League table with four points from four games. Captain Bruno Fernandes, the team's top scorer with three goals this season, will be looking to lead a response in the next fixture. United travel to face Fulham, who are 18th, on Sunday, 20 September. The club's current injury list includes Amad Diallo, Carlos Baleba, Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton and Luke Shaw.
The report in full is at BBC Sport
