Why was Erling Haaland’s goal against Man Utd not offside?

Haaland won the game with a fine finish from Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross from the left, only for the assistant referee to initially flag him offside.

A long check followed from VAR official Matt Donohue before the goal was awarded. Premier League semi-automated offside technology confirmed that Haaland was in fact onside.

He was played on by Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu, whose outstretched foot as he attempted to block Gvardiol’s cross kept the City striker legal at the moment the ball was played.

The delay was prolonged by the presence of Enzo Fernandez in an offside position inside the box.

The midfielder threw himself at the cross with a diving header but failed to make contact with the ball.

Under the laws of the game, a player in an offside position is only penalised if he touches the ball or interferes with an opponent. VAR ruled that Fernandez did neither.

There remains debate over whether Fernandez’s presence distracted United defender Lisandro Martinez or goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

However, officials determined he was not interfering with play. The goal stood, giving City boss Enzo Maresca his first Manchester Derby win.