Wayne Rooney has condemned the use of VAR as 'horrendous' following the controversial decision that allowed Erling Haaland's goal to stand in Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Professional Refereeing Organisation (Pro Ref) has since acknowledged the goal should not have stood, admitting an 'error of judgement'.
The match was decided in the 60th minute when Haaland scored, a goal initially flagged for offside but overturned after a VAR review. The decision hinged on the position of City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position and appeared to make a play for the ball, impacting United's defenders.
Rooney's frustration with VAR
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Rooney expressed his exasperation with the technology and its effect on the game. 'I'm just so sick of this VAR, I think it's horrendous,' the Manchester United legend said. 'It takes all the emotion out of the game, the energy which the game's played with.'
Rooney was particularly critical of the failure to recognize Fernandez's offside position. 'To not see that and recognise that Enzo Fernandez is in an offside position. Anyone who's played the game at any level understands that and knows that he's in an offside position. To get it so wrong is just baffling.'
Pro Ref admits error
Pro Ref, formerly known as PGMOL, issued a statement on Sunday evening acknowledging the mistake. '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 statement read. 'The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.'
The statement continued: '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.' Pro Ref added: 'Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.'
Carrick's disbelief
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick also voiced his confusion over the decision. 'The explanation I got was he wasn't interfering with play, so I just don't get it. I really don't get it,' he said. '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.'
Carrick highlighted the impact on his defenders, noting: '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 Licha [Martinez] 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.'
Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy, who was alongside Rooney on the show, added: 'It is a really bad one. We try here to give them the benefit of the doubt, but you can't on this one, I'm afraid.'
The match also saw an early red card for Phil Foden, who was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. Despite being a man down, City held on for the win, with Haaland's goal proving decisive. The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with pundits and fans alike questioning the consistency of VAR decisions in the Premier League.
