Lisandro Martínez leads VAR backlash after derby loss

"I think it was offside. What I can't understand is the rules," Lisandro Martínez said after Manchester United's derby defeat to Manchester City. The goal that settled the game had already been ruled out before VAR changed the call, and Martínez said, "Now we have to go home with this injustice."

Manchester United vs Manchester City turned on that decision as much as the scoreline. Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute at Old Trafford, then Erling Haaland's strike on the hour mark was initially ruled out for offside before a VAR check awarded it. The Premier League statement said Fernandez didn't play the ball while in an offside position.

Carrick's reaction to the decision

Michael Carrick was no calmer. Speaking after the match, he said: "The decision for the goal is absolutely huge, I'm absolutely baffled by the decision." He added: "It is just a huge decision. How many layers do we put behind officials, screens, people in offices, and they come up with that, it's really worrying."

The debate over whether Enzo Fernández affected the offside phase will run on, but the official line stayed firm. Martínez completed the full match, and the frustration was obvious enough to match the tone of United's night.

The match context United could not use

United did not get the sort of control a man advantage can sometimes bring. Kobbie Mainoo hit the post in the second half, but City still left with the only goal that counted. Mainoo's 7.35 average across 4 Premier League appearances this season and his one goal contribution explain why he has been one of United's brighter players, even if that offered little comfort after the final whistle.

The derby was the 199th Manchester derby, and it ended with the officiating being discussed more than the football. United now have the VAR call, the red card and Haaland's winner sitting on top of the result, with the review from Old Trafford likely to be revisited long after the 1-0 scoreline.