Maresca unhappy Haaland goal controversy overshadows Man City derby win

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has criticized the attention surrounding Erling Haaland’s controversial winner in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United, saying it has overshadowed his team’s impressive performance at Old Trafford.

Maresca said this while speaking before Manchester City’s Thursday Carabao Cup third-round tie against Norwich City.

Haaland’s goal in the 60th minute secured City’s fourth consecutive Premier League win, despite the visitors playing most of the match with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside but was overturned after a VAR review determined Haaland was onside. 

However, refereeing body Pro Ref later admitted that officials had failed to properly assess whether Enzo Fernández was offside and interfering with play. 

Maresca described the focus on the incident as “quite poor,” insisting that City’s resilience deserved greater recognition. 

He said his players produced an “unbelievable” performance by maintaining their lead despite being a man down for around 70 minutes.

“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. I think the performance was unbelievable, and I’m pleased with the performance.” Maresca said.

The Italian also recalled a controversial Manchester derby in 2023, when United scored a disputed goal involving Marcus Rashford. 

Maresca said City were still waiting for an apology over that incident, adding that football sometimes produces decisions that benefit one team and hurt another.

Pro Ref chief Howard Webb admitted that the VAR official became too focused on Haaland’s position and failed to properly consider Fernández’s involvement. 

City will now turn their attention to Thursday’s Carabao Cup clash against Norwich City before facing Sunderland in the Premier League on September 20.