The Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) has admitted an "error of judgment" after Manchester City's match-winning goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026, was controversially allowed to stand.

• Erling Haaland's goal, which secured a 1-0 victory for Manchester City, was initially flagged for offside.
• The officiating body acknowledged that VAR failed to properly evaluate the tactical disruption caused by Enzo Fernández's run, despite him not touching the ball.
• Manchester United Manager Michael Carrick called the decision "worrying" and "staggering."

Erling Haaland secured a contentious 1-0 victory for Manchester City against Manchester United, with his winning goal surviving a lengthy VAR review.

• Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal for Manchester City.
• The match was decided by a controversial goal that was initially disallowed.
• Manchester City played with 10 men for approximately 60 minutes after Phil Foden was sent off.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed concern over a late Manchester City winner, which he felt was incorrectly awarded after a VAR review.

• The decisive goal by Erling Haaland was initially ruled offside before being overturned by VAR.
• Michael Carrick, Manchester United head coach, stated it was "worrying" how the officials viewed the play.
• Lisandro Martinez, a United defender, called the goal an "injustice" and felt he was impeded by an offside opponent.

Despite a 2-0 victory against Sunderland, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta labelled a controversially awarded penalty as "unacceptable" and potentially title-costing.

• Arsenal won 2-0 with goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka.
• Mikel Arteta expressed strong displeasure with a penalty decision awarded to Sunderland, which was ultimately saved by David Raya.
• Bruno Guimaraes, a £75 million signing, made a significant impact with a goal and an assist.