BREAKING: Haaland Scores Controversial Goal as 10-Men Manchester City Defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford—-Erling Haaland struck after a lengthy VAR review to hand 10-man Manchester City a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester United in a fiery Manchester derby.
Manchester City secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Erling Haaland’s controversial second-half goal settling a fiercely contested Manchester derby.
City were forced to play with 10 men for more than an hour after Phil Foden was sent off in the first half for kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Enzo Maresca’s side remained disciplined and eventually found the breakthrough through Haaland.
The decisive moment arrived around the hour mark when Haaland found the net, only for the assistant referee to immediately raise the flag for offside.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned and the goal was awarded. Replays showed that Patrick Dorgu’s outstretched foot had played Haaland onside, while Enzo Fernández’s position was deemed not to constitute interference with play.
The decision sparked furious reactions from the home supporters, with Manchester United players also questioning whether Fernández’s position had interfered with their ability to defend the move.
United were handed a major advantage by Foden’s dismissal but failed to capitalise on it. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both struck the woodwork as the hosts desperately searched for an equaliser.
Manchester City’s defence held firm during the closing stages, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a crucial late save to deny Bryan Mbeumo and preserve the visitors’ clean sheet.
The victory was particularly impressive given City’s lengthy spell with 10 men and handed Maresca a huge win in his first Manchester derby as City manager.
For Haaland, the goal continued his remarkable record against Manchester United and proved enough to give City all three points in one of the most controversial derbies in recent years.
The result keeps Manchester City’s perfect Premier League start intact, with the champions moving onto 12 points from four matches, level with Arsenal at the top of the table but behind the Gunners on goal difference. Manchester United, meanwhile, remain on just four points after four matches.