Enzo Maresca Defends VAR Despite Refereeing Error Overshadowing Manchester City's Derby Win

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca stated that the controversy surrounding the VAR decision for Erling Haaland’s winning goal against Manchester United should not detract from his team's resilient 10-man performance in their 1-0 derby triumph.

Erling Haaland’s second-half strike on Sunday was initially flagged for offside, but a subsequent VAR review overturned the decision, ruling the Norwegian onside. However, refereeing body Pro Ref later admitted that the decisive goal should not have stood.

Despite playing with 10 men from the 23rd minute after Phil Foden received a red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City successfully defended their lead to secure the victory.

“To talk about one moment after that game when we played for 70, 75 minutes with 10 players is quite poor. I think the performance was unbelievable and I’m pleased,” Enzo Maresca told reporters on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s League Cup third-round fixture against Norwich City.

“There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that’s all. Sometimes, it goes for you. Sometimes, against you,” he added.

The Manchester City boss also recalled a controversial incident during a 2-1 loss to Manchester United in January 2023, noting that the club never received an apology after Bruno Fernandes scored while Marcus Rashford was in an offside position. Enzo Maresca served as an assistant coach at Manchester City during that match.

“Three years ago when I was here, it happened the exact same against Manchester United. The goal was not a regular goal, and no one apologised. We are still waiting for the apology for that,” he stated.

Furthermore, Enzo Maresca defended the VAR officials, explaining that they face immense pressure to make split-second decisions under difficult circumstances.

“Sometimes, they go for you, the decisions, sometimes, they go against you,” he said. “But also it’s not easy, I think, for the VAR, for the people that are in front of the screen, and in 10 seconds, 20 seconds they have to make a decision. It’s not easy for them. Sometimes, they make some mistakes. I make mistakes; players make mistakes; I think it’s part of our job.”