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Carrick calls VAR explanation for Haaland goal 'staggering'

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick criticised the VAR decision that allowed Erling Haaland's Manchester derby winner to stand, calling the explanation 'staggering' and 'worrying for football'.

  • Haaland's finish was initially disallowed by referee Michael Oliver before a VAR review in which Matt Donohue overruled the on-field officials.
  • The verdict was that Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was not interfering with play.
  • Carrick said: 'If that's the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that's really worrying for me. It's a staggering explanation.'

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has described the explanation for allowing Erling Haaland's Manchester derby winner as "staggering" and said it was worrying for football.

Haaland's finish, when he converted Josko Gvardiol's deflected cross, was initially disallowed by referee Michael Oliver before a VAR review in which Matt Donohue overruled the on-field officials.

While Enzo Fernandez had attempted to head Gvardiol's centre, and Lisandro Martinez was trying to mark his Argentina teammate, the verdict was that the Manchester City midfielder was not interfering with play.

Carrick said: "If that's the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that's really worrying for me. It's a staggering explanation."

Defender Martinez described the decision to award the goal as "unacceptable" and said officials had visited United to discuss the interpretation of the rules.

City manager Maresca said it was "completely clear" that Fernandez was not offside and that the goal should have stood. He also commented on Phil Foden's red card, received in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes from the ground, asserting that Fernandes should also have been sent off for a kick he gave to the Englishman beforehand.

Why this matters: The decision and the reaction to it raise questions about how the offside and interference rules are being interpreted by officials in the Premier League.

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