Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has dismissed the ongoing row over Erling Haaland’s winner in Sunday’s Manchester derby.
City’s heroic display overshadowed
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Carabao Cup clash with Norwich, Maresca said it was “quite poor” that talk has centered on one moment rather than his side’s performance.
City beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford despite playing more than 70 minutes with 10 men after Phil Foden’s red card.
Haaland scored in the 60th minute. The goal was first ruled out for offside but given after a long VAR check. Officials later admitted an error. Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and interfered with play even though he did not touch the ball. Pro Ref said the VAR should have ordered an on-field review and apologized to United.
Sometimes it goes for you
Maresca refused to dwell on the mistake. “Talking about one episode or one moment after that game when we played for 70-75 minutes with 10 players, I think it’s quite poor,” he said. “I think the performance was unbelievable and I’m pleased with the performance.”
He pointed to similar incident from January 2023, when he was Pep Guardiola’s assistant. Bruno Fernandes scored for United in a 2-1 win despite Marcus Rashford appearing to interfere from an offside position. City received no apology.
“Three years ago, when I was here it happened exactly the same against Man United. We lost the derby there. The goal was not a regular goal, if you remember. To be honest, no-one apologized. We are still waiting for the apology for that goal. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It’s football.”
Focus remains on the team
Maresca added there is knowledge a mistake was made “and that’s all.” He confirmed City will not appeal Foden’s red card and will rotate the squad for the cup tie, giving minutes to academy players. The win kept City’s perfect Premier League start under their new manager intact.
