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Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has criticised the continued focus on Erling Haaland’s controversial winner against Manchester United, saying it has overshadowed an impressive performance from his side.
City secured a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday despite playing for around 70 minutes with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.
Haaland eventually settled the derby in the 60th minute, but the goal has dominated the aftermath after refereeing chiefs admitted VAR failed to properly assess an offside offence involving Enzo Fernandez.
Maresca defends City’s display
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Norwich City, Maresca said the attention given to the incident had taken away from what he considered a strong performance from his team.
“Talking about one episode or one moment after that game when we played for 70-75 minutes with 10 players, I think it’s quite poor,” Maresca said.
“I think the performance was unbelievable, and I’m pleased with the performance.”
Haaland’s goal was initially ruled out for offside before VAR determined that the striker was marginally onside.
However, the review failed to consider whether Fernandez, who moved towards the ball from an offside position, had interfered with play. Pro Ref chief Howard Webb subsequently admitted that the goal should have been disallowed.
Maresca acknowledged the mistake but said such decisions are part of football.
“There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that’s all. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It’s football,” he said.
City recall previous VAR controversy
Maresca also pointed to a previous controversial decision involving City against United, recalling an incident from a 2-1 defeat in January 2023.
“Three years ago when I was here [as Guardiola’s assistant], it happened the exact same against United,” he said.
“The goal was not a regular goal and no one apologised. We are still waiting for the apology for that.”
Webb has since explained that VAR became too focused on Haaland’s position and failed to properly evaluate Fernandez’s impact on the play.
“The VAR gets super-focused on Haaland,” Webb said.
“He establishes he’s onside, he thinks that’s a good goal. He doesn’t truly evaluate the full impact of Fernandez’s position.”
City now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, with Norwich visiting on Thursday before Maresca’s side return to Premier League action against Sunderland on September 20.