Maresca claims Man City's winner was clearly onside but Pro Ref admit error

Enzo Maresca had no doubt that Manchester City's derby day winner was clearly not offside, despite Pro Ref now confirming the officials made a mistake.

City made it four wins from four Premier League games under new boss Maresca by edging out fierce rivals Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Erling Haaland grabbed the goal for 10-man City, who had Phil Foden sent off midway through the first half, when he steered home from Josko Gvardiol's cross.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but it was awarded when a VAR check found that Haaland had stayed onside.

However, United's anger comes from the fact that Enzo Fernandez, who was offside, made an attempt to reach the ball before it got to Haaland at the back post.

Maresca, though, felt it was a simple decision.

He told Sky Sports: "It was completely clear that the goal was not offside.

"In the moment I was told by the fourth official, I celebrated early, because I knew."

Pro Ref, the governing body previously known as PGMO, has, however, confirmed it had contacted United to concede an error had been made.

In a statement carried in several media outlets, a Pro Ref spokesperson said: "Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland's awarded goal.

"The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR, and he was found to be in an onside position.

"In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective; however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.

"Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem as an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place."

City are the first visiting side to win 10 times against Manchester United in the Premier League at Old Trafford – across the last 11 seasons (since 2016-17), no English top-flight fixture has seen more away wins than the Manchester derby (10).

This was the first time United generated less than 1.0 expected goals (xG) in a Premier League home game under Michael Carrick (0.95).

And United managed just two shots on target after Foden's 23rd-minute dismissal – they did hit the woodwork twice for the second Manchester derby in a row, however.

"It is the emotion of the derby after [winning with] 10 men," Maresca told BBC Match of the Day.

"It is always nice to win with 10 men, but a derby is a special game for everybody. I was happy, and I think it was a normal reaction.

"After the red card, the plan changed completely. The spirit, effort, togetherness of the players has been fantastic."

Maresca had no complaints about Foden's sending off, though he did feel Fernandes should also have seen red, as he instigated the flashpoint by kicking the City attacker.

"I think it was a red card [for Phil], to be honest, but also in the same action for Bruno, not just for us," he added.