United were already struggling to turn their numerical advantage into genuine attacking pressure when Manchester City found the breakthrough. Haaland finished the move, but the goal immediately became controversial after VAR intervened following an initial offside decision. 🚨⚽
The major issue centred around Enzo Fernández, who was in an offside position and attempted to play the ball before Haaland eventually scored. Although the officials concluded that Fernández had not interfered with play, the decision has since come under serious scrutiny.
And Neville was having none of it. 😡
The former United defender questioned how the goal could possibly be allowed after such a lengthy VAR review, particularly given Fernández’s position and his involvement in the sequence.
What makes the defeat even more painful for United supporters is that City were down to 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off following his clash with Bruno Fernandes. United therefore had a huge opportunity to take control of the derby, but instead struggled to punish their rivals. 🔥🔴
City showed incredible resilience, reorganising themselves defensively and making life extremely difficult for United. Haaland’s goal eventually proved decisive, while United’s late attempts to find an equaliser produced nothing.
Neville’s frustration, however, goes beyond the controversial goal. The performance raised serious questions about United’s ability to break down an opponent when the game is there to be won.
Being one man up against your biggest rivals at Old Trafford should have been the perfect opportunity to turn the pressure into three points. Instead, United were unable to find the killer touch. 😳
The defeat has now intensified the pressure surrounding Michael Carrick’s side, especially after an inconsistent opening to the campaign. United have shown attacking promise, but their defensive vulnerabilities and inability to control crucial moments continue to haunt them.
And for Neville, this derby will be remembered for two things: United failing to take advantage of a 10-man City side and a VAR decision that has now been admitted to be an officiating error. 😱🚨
ProRef later acknowledged that VAR should have recommended an on-field review over the Fernández incident, adding another explosive layer to an already chaotic Manchester derby.
Manchester United may have lost by just one goal, but the questions coming out of Old Trafford are much bigger than the scoreline. 🔴💔
Was this one of the worst VAR decisions United have suffered in a Manchester derby? 👀🔥
