Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says it is ‘quite poor’ to focus on VAR controversy despite win at Manchester United

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says it is “quite poor” that the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s winner has overshadowed his side’s performance at Manchester United on Sunday.

Haaland’s goal on the hour mark, which was awarded after the virtual assistant referee ruled in City’s favour, secured a 1-0 Premier League victory despite the visitors playing the majority of the derby at Old Trafford with 10 men following Phil Foden’s red card.

The VAR decision was subsequently ruled to be incorrect by the referees’ body and the aftermath of City’s fourth successive league win has been dominated by the fall out from the incident.

“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, speaking before Thursday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Norwich City.

“I think the performance was unbelievable, and I’m pleased with the performance.”

Haaland’s goal was initially disallowed on the field for offside but the VAR review found the striker was just onside, and the goal was awarded.

However, it soon became apparent that the officials had made an error in failing to identify an offside offence by Enzo Fernandez, diving at the ball in a central position and interfering with opponents.

“There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that’s all. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It’s football,” the Italian said.