Maresca criticises focus on controversial Haaland derby winner

Enzo Maresca said it was "quite poor" that the controversy around Erling Haaland's match-winning goal at Manchester United on Sunday has dominated attention after Manchester City's 1-0 Premier League victory at Old Trafford.

Maresca, who was part of Pep Guardiola's coaching staff at Manchester City before returning as manager and who succeeded Guardiola in the summer, complained the incident has overshadowed his side's display. Haaland's goal on the hour mark was awarded after a virtual assistant referee review, and City had to cope for the majority of the derby with 10 men following Phil Foden's red card. The referees' body later ruled the VAR decision to be incorrect and the fallout has dominated coverage since the match.

Speaking before Thursday's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Norwich City, Maresca said: "Talking about one episode or one moment after that game when we played for 70- 75 minutes with 10 players, I think it's quite poor." He added: "I think the performance was unbelievable, and I'm pleased with the performance."

On the pitch, Haaland's effort was initially disallowed for offside by the on-field officials before a VAR review concluded the striker was just onside and the goal was given. It later emerged that officials had failed to identify an offside offence by Enzo Fernandez, who was described as diving at the ball in a central position and interfering with opponents.

Maresca accepted there had been an error, saying: "There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that's all. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It's football." He also referenced prior VAR rulings that he felt went against City, including a 2-1 defeat by United in January 2023, adding: "Three years ago when I was here [as Guardiola's assistant], it happened the exact same against United. The goal was not a regular goal and no one apologised. We are still waiting for the apology for that."

Pro Ref chief Howard Webb acknowledged the VAR did not consider whether Fernandez was offside before Haaland's winner and spoke of his disappointment on 'Match Officials Mic'd Up'. "I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are," Webb said. "None more so than the officials themselves. They take a lot of personal pride in what they do and they're obviously hurting now, having fallen short in this situation."

Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes in the 23rd minute, and United struck the post either side of half-time before Haaland's controversial goal on Sunday. Webb added: "The VAR gets super-focused on Haaland. He establishes he's onside, he thinks that's a good goal." He continued: "He doesn't truly evaluate the full impact of Fernandez's position. He has a look to see if he touches the ball, because then that relates to potentially knocking it to Haaland, who goes on to score."

City host Norwich on Thursday (19:30 BST) in the Carabao Cup third round and return to Premier League action against Sunderland on Sunday, 20 September (14:00).