‘As obvious as it gets’ – Carrick slams decision to allow Haaland winner in derby defeat

Michael Carrick was left baffled by the decision to allow Erling Haaland’s winner to stand in Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Carrick felt Enzo Fernandez had interfered with play in the build-up to Haaland’s goal and was frustrated after being told by officials that he had not done enough to impact the situation, despite making an attempt to head the ball.

“The explanation was that he wasn’t interfering with play,” Carrick said. “I just don’t get it. I can’t understand.

“We’re trying to help referees. There’s so many layers behind it, so many screens, to try and come up with the right decisions.

“If that’s how the rules are interpreted, that you’re not interfering with play when you’ve thrown yourself at the ball, six yards from goal and pretty much nearly touched it, which means Licha [Lisandro Martinez] has to react from that.”

#MUNMCI – 59’ VAR OVERTURN

VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.

The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball. pic.twitter.com/TyTip3ACIh

— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) September 13, 2026

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Carrick also questioned the offside line used during the VAR review and admitted he was concerned by the officials’ interpretation of the incident.

“On top of that, the line was a bit dubious, where they drew it,” he added.

“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating.

“I think it’s as obvious as it gets.”

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