Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has described the ongoing focus on VAR controversy as "quite poor," arguing that it detracts from his team's performance during their 1-0 victory against Manchester United on September 13, 2026. Despite the win, the match was marked by a significant officiating error.
The referees' body, Pro Ref, admitted that VAR failed to identify an offside offence by Enzo Fernandez during the build-up to Erling Haaland’s 60th-minute winning goal. Howard Webb, the chief of Pro Ref, confirmed that the VAR team did not consider whether Fernandez was in an offside position while interfering with opponents.
Manchester City played the majority of the match with ten men after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. Maresca highlighted the team's resilience in maintaining their lead despite the numerical disadvantage.
The club now shifts its attention to the Carabao Cup. Manchester City is scheduled to play a third-round tie against Norwich City on Thursday, September 17, 2026.