Maresca defends VAR officials after Man City benefit from error

Vanguard News | 16-09-2026 12:16pm |

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca expressed sympathy for VAR officials after his team benefited from a clear error in their 1-0 win against Manchester United. Erling Haaland scored a controversial winner in the 60th minute at Old Trafford on Sunday, making it four wins out of four for City in the Premier League. Haaland was initially flagged offside, but VAR ruled he was being played onside by United defender Patrick Dorgu, neglecting to take account of the position of Enzo Fernandez, who was clearly offside and was interfering with play. Refereeing body Pro Ref acknowledged an "error of judgment," saying that the video assistant referee should have recommended an on-field review. Maresca spoke up for the officials ahead of Thursday's League Cup third round match against Championship side Norwich, saying, "Sometimes they go for you, the decisions, sometimes they go against you. But also it's not easy, I think, for the VAR."

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