VAR admits error over Erling Haaland's goal at Old Trafford

VAR has admitted it made an error that allowed Erling Haaland's winning goal to stand in Manchester City's 1-0 Premier League win at Old Trafford, acknowledging it failed to spot the likely impact of Enzo Fernandez's offside position on play.

In an official statement released after the match, the refereeing body said the on-field decision had initially been offside against Erling Haaland but that VAR found him onside. The statement accepted that the video team “did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.”

Former referees voice strong criticism

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey was unequivocal in his assessment: "VAR made a very serious error and this goal should not have been awarded. It is unacceptable to ignore Enzo Fernandez's movement. When a player in an offside position throws himself trying to reach the ball a few metres from goal, he directly affects the defender beside him. Lisandro Martinez could not have stayed static in that situation. This is a clear offside."

Keith Hackett, the former head of the Referees' Committee in England, expressed the same view: "The goal should have been disallowed immediately. Enzo Fernandez made a fully conscious movement to play the ball from an offside position and became active at the moment he threw himself forward with his head. The explanation that he did not affect play because he did not touch the ball is complete manipulation and a misinterpretation of the Laws of the Game."

The refereeing body added that contact had been made with Manchester United "this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement" and that a full review of the incident would take place. Pro Ref also issued a statement of apology. The incident occurred in the 60th minute of Sunday's fixture on September 13, 2026.

Photo: press material from the event