Offside CHAOS! Why Erling Haaland's goal stood after VAR checked two Manchester City players against Manchester United

Controversy at Old Trafford as Haaland strikes

The Manchester derby rarely lacks drama, and the latest instalment at Old Trafford delivered a massive talking point early on when Haaland found the back of the net. The Norwegian marksman tucked in a deflected cross from Josko Gvardiol, but the celebrations were immediately cut short by the assistant referee’s flag.

However, after a prolonged and confusing wait, VAR official Matt Donohue overturned the on-field decision, confirming the goal and sparking fury among the home support.

VAR checks two City players

The confusion stemmed from the fact that not one, but two Manchester City players were under the microscope during the review. While Haaland was the man who ultimately put the ball in the net, the presence of Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the penalty area complicated the situation significantly.

The Premier League’s semi-automated offside technology was eventually utilised to provide clarity, showing that Haaland was actually played onside by the outstretched foot of Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu, who had lunged in an attempt to block Gvardiol’s initial delivery from the left flank.