Michael Carrick complained about a “staggering” explanation of why Erling Haaland’s winner in the Manchester derby was allowed by VAR as he said it was worrying for football.
Haaland’s finish, when he converted Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross, was initially disallowed by referee Michael Oliver before a VAR review in which Matt Donohue overruled the on-field officials.
While Enzo Fernandez had attempted to head Gvardiol’s centre, and Lisandro Martinez was trying to mark his Argentina teammate, the verdict was that the Manchester City midfielder was not interfering with play.
Martinez called it an “injustice” and Manchester United manager Carrick said: “If that's the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that's really worrying for me. It's a staggering explanation.
“I just don't get it. I really don't get it. I can't understand how they're trying to help referees and putting so many layers behind them with so many people, so many bodies, so many screens, and so many whatever offices they are to try and come up with the right decisions.
“If that's how the rules are interpreted, that you're not interfering with play because you've thrown yourself at the ball six yards from goal and pretty much nearly touched it, which then Leif has to react from. On top of that, the line was a bit dubious where they drew the line to start with. It's worrying if that's really how the game's seen by those who are officiating it.”
While there is a precedent for clubs to receive an apology from Pro Ref, formerly known as PGMOL, Carrick responded sarcastically when asked if he would welcome that.
“Yeah, that'd be great, that,” he said. “Yeah, I can't wait for that one.”
Defender Martinez described the decision to award the goal as “unacceptable” as he said that officials had visited United to discuss the interpretation of the rules.
He said: “He was offside. I went to [Fernandez] because he was there in front of me, and that’s why Haaland was free [to score]. I want to be calm, I want to control myself but it’s so hard. Every season they come to our club, they explain the rules for an hour and a half, and they look so confident.
“And then you have five or six people making this mistake. It’s unacceptable because this is the best league in the world. And now we have to go home with this injustice.”
City manager Maresca, meanwhile, felt it was “completely clear” that Fernandez was not offside and that the goal should have stood.
While not taking issue with the decision to send Foden off directly, Maresca asserted that Fernandes also have been sent off for the kick he gave to the Englishman beforehand.
"The decision can be a red card for Foden, but in the same action, it can be a red card for Bruno because he also kicks Phil,” he said.