Maresca defends VAR while lamenting row dominating win at Manchester United

What the report says

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has pushed back against the uproar over VAR after his team’s 1-0 Premier League derby win at Manchester United, arguing that the controversy should not eclipse City’s performance while playing much of the match with 10 men. According to Al Jazeera’s report, the winning goal from Erling Haaland was first ruled out for offside before a video review overturned the call and awarded the strike.

The refereeing body Pro Ref later said the VAR decision was incorrect, adding fuel to the debate over officiating. City were already a man down after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, but held on for the victory. Maresca said the focus on one incident was unfair given the length of time his side had to defend with 10 players.

Maresca also noted that mistakes can happen on both sides and defended the officials as having to make fast decisions under pressure. He referenced a previous Manchester derby in January 2023, when he was at City as an assistant coach, saying a similar situation had gone against his side and had also prompted complaints. The comments came ahead of City’s League Cup third-round tie against Norwich City.