Pro Ref, English football's elite refereeing body, has admitted that Erling Haaland's winning goal for Manchester City in Sunday's Manchester derby should not have stood, conceding that the VAR made "an error of judgement" in allowing it. The goal, initially flagged offside, was awarded after VAR ruled that Enzo Fernández had not interfered with play as the ball passed him in the buildup, despite United defender Lisandro Martínez visibly reacting to his presence. The body has contacted Manchester United and confirmed it will formally review the incident.

Haaland struck in the 60th minute after Josko Gvardiol's cross deflected off Patrick Dorgu, passed Fernández and Martínez, before being finished by the City forward. Pro Ref said the VAR should have recommended an on-field review given Fernández's likely impact on the play. United manager Michael Carrick called the error "as obvious as it gets" and said he would welcome an apology, while City's Enzo Maresca insisted Fernández was not interfering. The match also featured Phil Foden's 23rd-minute red card for kicking Bruno Fernandes, which Maresca backed while suggesting Fernandes also deserved punishment; City sit second on 12 points, with United 13th on four.