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Carrick fumes at referees’ interpretations of rules after Haaland’s controversial goal downs Manchester United
14th September, 2026 09:49 AM
Michael Carrick has expressed his disbelief at the decision to allow Erling Haaland’s goal to stand during the fierce Manchester Derby at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
United fell 1-0 to 10-man City despite the visitors being reduced to ten men after Phil Foden’s red card.
While the early red card was controversial, an even bigger debate erupted at the hour mark when referee Michael Oliver allowed Haaland’s goal to stand following a lengthy VAR review.
Justification is far worse
Speaking on the decision, Carrick hit out at the explanation he received afterwards for reversing the initial offside call, describing the justification as even worse.
“It is not a goal; I don’t know how many people you’ve got behind the camera and VAR where that is. To make a decision and say he (Enzo) is not interfering with play. How can you say he has not interfered with the play? He tries to throw himself at the ball, and Licha reacts to that, so how it is not interfering with play is literally beyond me. I don’t know who comes up with that explanation. It is staggering,” he said.
The gaffer was specifically perturbed by a VAR explanation stating that although Fernandes was in an offside position, he did not interfere with play.
“Far worse. It is more worrying if that’s the interpretation of the game of football. If that is the definition of not interfering with play, it is a staggering decision. I could not understand it once I saw it, and the explanation makes it even worse. Incredible,” he added.
Not able to break 10 men
Asked about the display of his team and why they could not capitalise on their numerical advantage after Foden’s red card, Carrick opined:
“We created opportunities; we should have made more of them. We started the second half well. We had chances at the end and also hit the post. We gave so much to the game, but that one decision…”
The coach concluded by backing his team to come good, with the league still a long way to go.
“There is a long season ahead. We’ve got to get back to winning football matches, but that decision is not on us today.”
The outcome inflicted a second league defeat on the English giants, who are now ranked 13th on the standings with four points.
