Enzo Maresca hits out at ‘quite poor’ response to Erling Haaland goal | Football

Enzo Maresca feels the focus on the officiating around Erling Haaland’s goal in the Manchester derby is ‘quite poor’ and his team deserves more credit.

Haaland scored the only goal of the game at Old Trafford on Sunday as Manchester City picked up a controversial win over United.

The second half strike from the Norwegian was initially ruled out by the linesman before VAR stepped in and said the goal should stand.

That was because they deemed Haaland to be onside, but ignored the fact that Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and made an attempt to play the ball.

Refereeing body Pro Ref have since admitted an error and apologised to Manchester United for getting the decision wrong.

There has been much talk about the pros and cons of VAR since the game, but Maresca thinks there should be more chat about his team and how they won the game, despite having Phil Foden sent off after just 23 minutes.

‘To talk about one moment after that game when we played for 70-75 minutes with 10 players is quite poor,’ said the Manchester City boss. ‘I think the performance was unbelievable and I’m pleased.’

Maresca defended the under-fire VAR officials, who referee chief Howard Webb has said will not return to action until after the international break.

He has taken a swings and roundabouts approach, remembering a goal Bruno Fernandes scored against Manchester City in 2023.

‘It’s not easy for the VAR and the people in front of the screen,’ he said. ‘To make a decision in 10, 20 seconds is not easy for them. Sometimes they make mistakes. I make mistakes, players make mistakes. It’s part of our job.

‘It’s also complicated for them… There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that’s all.

‘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.

‘Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It’s football.’

Referees’ chief Howard Webb appeared on Sky Sports this week and admitted his disappointment with the decision made at Old Trafford on Sunday.

‘I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are,’ he 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.

‘They’ll not be officiating again until after the international break.

‘The VAR gets super-focused on Haaland. He establishes he’s onside, he thinks that’s a good goal.

‘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.

‘In that moment, he gets tunnel vision. It’s down to the rest of his team to pull him out of that tunnel, and unfortunately, that didn’t happen on this occasion.’