Premier League panel unanimously rules VAR wrongly awarded Haaland Manchester derby winner

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has unanimously decided that VAR made an incorrect decision when awarding Erling Haaland's winning goal for Manchester City against Manchester United in the Manchester derby. Haaland scored the lone goal as the visitors secured a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, but the controversial decision that enabled his 60th-minute strike has now been overturned by the independent panel.

The Norwegian striker was first flagged offside after connecting with Josko Gvardiol's cross at the back post, prompting VAR to review the incident. After examining replays, it became clear that Haaland was indeed onside, but his teammate Enzo Fernandez interfered with United's defenders and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from an offside position as he tried to reach the cross before it reached the striker.

As a result, the KMI Panel voted 5-0 that the goal should have been disallowed due to Fernandez's interference, as he attempted to play a ball close to him and hindered his opponents' ability to challenge for it. Additionally, the panel concluded that VAR should have suggested an on-field review for the missed subjective offside offense rather than simply awarding Haaland's goal.

Pro Ref acknowledged the mistake shortly after the derby and informed Manchester United of the "error of judgment." Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb explained that the VAR team became overly focused on Haaland's position and failed to properly consider Fernandez's involvement in the same attacking phase. The error proved crucial as Haaland's strike was the only goal of the game.

City started the match with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes. However, they managed to hold out against Manchester United's pressure to secure all three points. United also hit the crossbar through Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo before Haaland ultimately broke the deadlock.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has continued to support VAR despite expressing frustration over the mistake and describing the subsequent apology as essentially meaningless. The KMI verdict does not change the result, leaving City's 1-0 victory intact; however, the unanimous ruling confirms that the decisive goal in the Manchester derby should not have been awarded.