United View: Reds fume after VAR controversy

After announcing his arrival in style last season, there was to be no derby day joy for Michael Carrick this time around, as our noisy neighbours took the spoils in controversial fashion at Old Trafford. 

The Blues took the bragging rights after Erling Haaland’s 60th minute strike – which looked offside to everyone watching except the only people who had the power to disallow it – stood. 

After review, it was adjudged by lead VAR Matt Donohue that Enzo Fernandez did not interfere with play in the lead up to the goal, to the bemusement of everyone in attendance. 

Yes, United were poor. Yes, City had 10 men. But to let a match of this magnitude be decided by yet another poor VAR call is frankly unacceptable – yet somehow unsurprising. 

Since the technology was introduced in 2019, such incompetence has become far too familiar, as far as I’m concerned. 

But I’m not here to open up a debate on VAR, as it will undoubtedly be continued to be used regardless of what fan opinion is. 

The bottom line is, the linesman on field made the correct decision, yet it was overturned by two men in a studio 200 miles away who had an unlimited amount of replays and angles. 

And to rub further salt in the wounds, within two hours of the final whistle, refereeing body Pro Ref admitted they had made an “error of judgement”, and that VAR “should have recommended an on-field review” for Haaland’s winner. 

I will admit though, that regardless of the decision, United did nowhere near enough to win the game. 

To have an extra man for well over an hour and not even trouble the opposition goalkeeper is unforgivable. 

In some ways, Phil Foden’s early dismissal seemed to swing the balance back into City’s favour, with the Reds no longer afforded the same space to attack they craved. 

The Blues were also helped by the proactive thinking of their manager, who made a well-timed substitution at half time, something his opposite number could have learned something from. 

New signing Iliman Ndiaye caused problems all evening with his pace and power, and ability to win fouls high up the pitch. 

Contrast that to United’s attack, which was toothless, passive and lacking any real imagination. 

Marcus Rashford looked bright early on and came agonisingly close to a stunning opener, only to see his free-kick cannon off the post. 

But the Reds lacked a focal point yet again in the absence of Benjamin Sesko, who should have entered the frame so much earlier.  

It did however look like United may have found a get out of jail free card with just seconds to play when Bryan Mbeumo was slipped in by Bruno Fernandes, but the ever-reliable Donnarumma was there to deny him. 

On the whole, Kobbie Mainoo was the only United player who could leave the pitch with his head held high after another superb display, and was also unfortunate to see his effort hit the upright. 

Not only does the match leave a sour taste in the mouth, it also piles the pressure on Carrick, who has overseen a massively subpar start to the campaign. 

With just four points picked up from a possible 12, a win this weekend at Fulham is now a necessity, or question marks will continue to circle going into the international break.