Someone has edited Bruno Fernandes' goal with Marcus Rashford removed and it changes everything

Bruno Fernandes’ leveller against Manchester City has caused much controversy given an offside Marcus Rashford appeared to be interfering with play. But what would the goal have looked like if the United forward had not been there?

Erik ten Hag’s side staged a stunning turnaround against their city rivals after Jack Grealish nodded Manchester City ahead mid-way through the second half.

With 12 minutes remaining Fernandes got on the end of a Casemiro pass and swept the ball past Ederson.

However, the United skipper’s goal was initially ruled out by assistant referee Darren Cann, who had raised his flag for offside against Rashford.

After a conversation with Cann referee Stuart Attwell decided that the England star, who ran towards the ball from an offside position, had not interfered with play.

Moments later Rashford tapped in Alejandro Garnacho's cross to give United a 2-1 win at a raucous Old Trafford, leaving them just a point behind City, and six points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

What if Rashford was removed from the equation?

A number of people have criticised the decision to award United’s equaliser, citing the impact Rashford has on the defending of Manuel Akanji and the positioning of Ederson.

Indeed, multiple City fans have photoshopped images on Twitter removing Rashford from the equation completely.

One Twitter user @BlueCityBrain photoshopped the moment the ball rolled towards Fernandes with Akanji attempting to get back.

Remove rashford out. Play is 100% changed:
A) Akanji would get to the ball
B) Edersons entire positioning is wrong based on an offside player

Refs got it majorly wrong and either cost us the full 3 points or at least 1 point. No one should be trying to justify this. pic.twitter.com/4j129zEWUs

— BlueCityBrain (@BlueCityBrain) January 14, 2023

BlueCityBrain claimed: “Remove Rashford out. Play is 100% changed: A) Akanji would get to the ball B) Ederson's entire positioning is wrong based on an offside player.

“Refs got it majorly wrong and either cost us the full 3 points or at least 1 point. No one should be trying to justify this.”

Several fans have reacted to the doctored screenshot, suggesting that it proves the goal should have been disallowed.

“It's a joke”

Akanji in particular was furious that Fernandes’ goal had been allowed to stand.

"To be honest the first goal is a joke," Akanji told BBC Match of the Day.

"I saw Rashford, he was clearly offside, so I played him offside.

"He runs until the last second and he stops when the ball is in front of him and he's right in front of Eddy [Ederson], ready to score the goal because Bruno Fernandes is shouting him.

"I understand he doesn't touch the ball but he's running for 30 metres and until the last second. For me it is clearly offside. The referee doesn't even look at the situation, it got explained at the start of the year this would be clearly offside."

Meanwhile, United boss ten Hag added: "I could see on the other side that it confused the backline, that was clear. It is also the rule.

"I wouldn't be happy if it was my team as well if we conceded a goal like this. I can see the disappointment in the other side, but I can also see the referee did well."