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Enzo Maresca pushed back against the uproar surrounding Manchester City's disputed winner against Manchester United, describing it as "quite poor" that the controversy has overshadowed his side's display. The Italian manager also noted that a comparable decision went against City during a derby back in 2023.
The clash at Old Trafford was settled when Erling Haaland tucked the ball home at the back post, with the flag initially raised for offside. A VAR review ruled him onside but overlooked the fact that Enzo Fernández had been actively involved while standing in an offside position.
Fernández attempted to connect with a header and, by missing the ball, kept Haaland onside from the original delivery. The problem was that the Argentine's positioning directly in front of goal was significant because other players reacted to his presence.
"The VAR gets super focused on Haaland," referee chief Howard Webb acknowledged on Match Officials Mic'd Up. "He establishes he's onside, he thinks that's a good goal. He doesn't truly evaluate the full impact of Fernández's position."
VAR Mistake Doesn't Detract From Man City Performance
City had spent the majority of the match with just 10 men after Phil Foden received a red card midway through the opening half for a clash with Bruno Fernandes.
"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," Maresca said on Wednesday, his first appearance before the media since officials admitted on Sunday that an error had been made.
"I think the performance was unbelievable, and I'm pleased with the performance."
Maresca didn't shy away from acknowledging that his team benefited from a fortunate break, but maintained that such things are simply part of the game.
"There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that's all. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It's football," he said.
Maresca's Offside Déjà Vu
To reinforce his point, the new City manager cast his mind back nearly four years to January 2023 and a Manchester derby that United won. The Red Devils rallied from behind to secure a 2–1 triumph, with Bruno Fernandes netting the equalizer after an offside Marcus Rashford had chased the ball—without touching it—before leaving it for his teammate.
"Three years ago, when I was here [as Pep Guardiola's assistant], it happened the exact same against United," Maresca recalled. "The goal was not a regular goal, and no one apologized. We are still waiting for the apology for that."
It may seem petty and small-minded to raise the matter, but it does lend weight to Maresca's case.