Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca hits out at VAR controversy focus after United win

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has criticised the focus on the controversial winner scored by Erling Haaland against Manchester United, suggesting it has unfairly overshadowed his side's performance. The Italian highlighted that his team managed to secure a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford despite playing the majority of the game with ten men following the red card shown to Phil Foden.

"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," Maresca said ahead of Thursday's Carabao Cup tie against Norwich. "I think the performance was unbelievable, and I'm pleased with the performance."

There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that's all. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It's football. Enzo Maresca

Haaland’s goal was initially disallowed for offside but was later awarded following a VAR review. However, PGMOL chief Howard Webb subsequently admitted that officials failed to identify an offside offence by Enzo Fernandez, who was interfering with play. Maresca noted that previous VAR decisions have gone against City without similar apologies, including a defeat by United in 2023.