{
  "id": 7219952,
  "title": "Carrick questions VAR decision to allow Haaland winner in Manchester derby",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/carrick-questions-var-decision-to-allow-haaland-winner-in-manchester",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-14T01:32:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/09/14/carrick-questions-var-decision-to-allow-haaland-winner-in-manchester-derby/235100"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed his concern over the decision by the team of officials that allowed Erling Haaland to score the winning goal for Manchester City in a recent derby match. The goal was initially deemed offside, but that decision was overturned after a thorough VAR review. Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position while attempting to head the ball towards Haaland, but due to a lack of interference, the Argentine was not penalized. Carrick expressed his disbelief, stating that if this is the standard being set by the officials, it is \"worrying.\" Lisandro Martinez, the United defender involved in the incident, vehemently disagreed with the decision, calling it an \"injustice.\" He explained that Haaland was free at the back because Fernandez was in front of him. The VAR error has left United struggling, as they have only managed to accumulate four points from their opening four league games, falling eight points behind the defending champions Arsenal and City. Carrick acknowledged that the team needs to secure more wins to alleviate the mounting pressure on him, stating that simply taking a break or restarting their preparations is not the solution.",
  "summary": "MANCHESTER, Sept 14 — Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said it was “worrying” a team of offic...",
  "key_points": [
    "Manchester United manager Michael Carrick questioned VAR decision.",
    "Erling Haaland's goal initially ruled offside, later allowed by VAR.",
    "Carrick expressed worry over VAR's standard, United behind Arsenal and City."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}