Enzo Maresca reveals what the fourth official told him immediately after controversial Erling Haaland goal in Manchester derby

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has revealed what the fourth official said to him immediately after Erling Haaland’s controversial goal, which saw his side beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday (September 13).

Maresca’s side maintained their 100 per cent winning record despite playing for most of the match with ten men after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. Haaland’s 60th-minute strike secured all three points, but the clash was not without controversy.

Haaland’s strike was initially ruled out for offside on the field before the decision was overturned, with the Norwegian adjudged to have been played onside by Patrick Dorgu.

Despite City midfielder Enzo Fernandez making a clear attempt to head the ball without actually making contact, while still appearing to impact play, the goal was awarded, with the Premier League issuing an explanation for the decision via X.

The post read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded. The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball.”

Fans, pundits and players were left stunned and generally confused by the decision, with many demanding a more detailed explanation.

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Pro Ref admits ‘error of judgement’ after Manchester derby controversy

Later on Sunday evening, Pro Ref, the Premier League refereeing body, admitted to an “error of judgement” in the following statement: “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.”

This came after both managers offered their respective takes on the controversial decision after the match, with United boss Michael Carrick branding the call “worrying”.

“I just don’t get it. I really don’t get it,” he said. “I can’t understand how they’re trying to help referees and putting so many layers behind them with so many people, so many bodies, so many screens, and so many whatever offices they are to try and come up with the right decisions.

“If that’s how the rules are interpreted, that you’re not interfering with play because you’ve thrown yourself at the ball six yards from goal and pretty much nearly touched it. On top of that, the line was a bit dubious where they drew the line to start with. It’s worrying if that’s really how the game’s seen by those who are officiating it.”

Meanwhile, Maresca explained that he believes the goal was “clearly onside” and that the fourth official told him this immediately after the action took place.

“Erling was onside,” Maresca said. “The fourth official told me this; he said it was only a question of the action in the centre [involving Fernandez]. But I think it was completely clear that it was onside.”

City return to action at home against Norwich in the Carabao Cup third round on Thursday (September 17).