The Performance Was Unbelievable— Maresca Fumes Over VAR Focus After City’s Derby Win

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has expressed frustration over the continued attention surrounding Erling Haaland’s controversial winning goal against Manchester United, arguing that the VAR dispute has overshadowed what he described as an outstanding performance from his team.

City secured a narrow 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday despite being reduced to 10 men for roughly 70 minutes after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Haaland eventually decided the Manchester derby in the 60th minute, but the goal became the main talking point after refereeing authorities acknowledged that VAR failed to properly assess an offside situation involving Enzo Fernandez.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup clash with Norwich City on Thursday, Maresca defended his team’s display and questioned why so much attention had been placed on one controversial moment.

“Talking about one episode or one moment after that game when we played for 70-75 minutes with 10 players, I think it’s quite poor,” Maresca said.

“I think the performance was unbelievable, and I’m pleased with the performance.”

Haaland’s effort was initially ruled out for offside before VAR overturned the decision after determining that the striker was marginally onside. However, the review did not properly consider whether Fernandez, who had moved towards the ball while in an offside position, had interfered with play.

Howard Webb, chief of Professional Referees, subsequently admitted that the goal should have been disallowed.

Maresca acknowledged that an error had occurred but insisted that such incidents are part of football and can sometimes work for or against a team.

“There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that’s all. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It’s football,” he said.

The City boss also recalled another controversial decision involving Manchester United and City, referring to an incident from the clubs’ 2-1 encounter in January 2023.

“Three years ago when I was here [as Guardiola’s assistant], it happened the exact same against United,” Maresca said.

“The goal was not a regular goal and no one apologised. We are still waiting for the apology for that.”

Webb later explained that VAR officials became overly focused on Haaland’s position and failed to fully assess Fernandez’s involvement in the build-up.

“The VAR gets super-focused on Haaland,” Webb said, adding that the official established the striker was onside but did not fully evaluate the impact of Fernandez’s position.

Manchester City will now shift their attention to the Carabao Cup, with Norwich City visiting on Thursday before Maresca’s side return to Premier League action against Sunderland on September 20.