Erling Haaland's controversial goal in the 60th minute gave Manchester City a 1-0 victory over rivals Manchester United in Sunday's tempestuous derby at Old Trafford.
City claimed the win despite going down to 10 men in the 23rd minute when Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.
That wasn't the only contentious decision that shaped the match, however.
Haaland's decisive goal was initially ruled offside on the pitch, but it was eventually awarded after a lengthy review.
For viewers in United States:
Erling Haaland scores against United with City down to 10 men! pic.twitter.com/pWgwXMR4gi
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 13, 2026
For viewers in Canada:
Erling Haaland SCORES!!
— FuboCanada 🇨🇦 (@fuboTVCanada) September 13, 2026
⚽ 0-1 Manchester United vs Manchester City
WATCH EVERY GOAL 👉 https://t.co/2w98QqADfX#PL #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/Y2Nt8ekrdi
The VAR first confirmed that Haaland was in an onside position when the initial cross was played in, and then determined that a diving Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position, wasn't actively involved in the play because he didn't touch the ball before it reached his Norwegian teammate.
#MUNMCI – 59’ VAR OVERTURN
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) September 13, 2026
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
Haaland now has more Manchester derby goals (nine) than any player in the Premier League era, breaking a tie with Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney.
The win moved Enzo Maresca's Manchester City level with Arsenal at the top of the table on 12 points.
The title rivals are the only two teams with a perfect record after the opening four matches of the new Premier League campaign.
