Manchester United: Pro Ref admit 'error of judgement' in awarding Erling Haaland goal | OneFootball

Manchester United: Pro Ref admit 'error of judgement' in awarding Erling Haaland goal | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Evening Standard

Evening Standard

·13 September 2026

Manchester United: Pro Ref admit 'error of judgement' in awarding Erling Haaland goal

Article image:Manchester United: Pro Ref admit 'error of judgement' in awarding Erling Haaland goal

Erling Haaland’s goal has been the centre of all controversy

One of two controversial incidents from Sunday’s showdown at Old Trafford ultimately proved decisive as Erling Haaland’s strike on the hour mark was allowed to stand, with VAR overturning the initial on-field decision to rule the goal out.


OneFootball Videos


While Haaland was in an onside position when the ball was played, Enzo Fernandez was offside and he made an attempt to head the ball which, in turn, impacted the defending of Lisandro Martinez.

The Premier League match centre issued a statement saying “VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball”.

However, Pro Ref, the refereeing body, has now admitted an error in awarding Man City's winner.

A Pro Ref spokesperson has said: “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.

“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.

Article image:Manchester United: Pro Ref admit 'error of judgement' in awarding Erling Haaland goal

Enzo Fernandez was adjudged to have not played the ball

Sky Sports

“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.

“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.

View publisher imprint