Maresca defends VAR while lamenting row dominating win at Manchester United
The VAR debate has raged since the Manchester derby, but Enzo Maresca says it wrongly overshadows City's win at United
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said the debate surrounding the VAR decision that awarded Erling Haaland’s winning goal against Manchester United should not overshadow his side’s 10-man performance in the 1-0 derby victory.
Haaland’s second-half strike on Sunday was initially ruled out for offside, but was awarded following a VAR review that judged the Norwegian to be onside. Refereeing body Pro Ref later acknowledged that VAR had been wrong to allow the decisive goal.
City were reduced to 10 men in the 23rd minute when Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes but held on to secure the win.
The City boss also pointed to a controversial decision in a 2-1 defeat by Manchester United in January 2023, saying the club was still waiting for an apology after Fernandes scored despite Marcus Rashford being in an offside position.